Immanuel Baptist and First United churches are joining efforts to offer the service. The shelter will open Wednesday, Nov. 20 and run four nights a week until the end of March from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. at First United. Volunteers from First United will be charge of the initiative Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Immanuel Baptist volunteers will oversee Fridays and Saturdays.
However, volunteers say that’s not enough.
Tilly Armstrong, co-ordinator for the First United Church volunteers, said the program should expand to seven nights a week, but more community input is needed for that to happen.
“The only way it can really be successful is to have it seven nights a week,” Armstrong said, adding ideally there should be six volunteers, equally men and women, a night covering two shifts.
“The 1 to 7 a.m. shift is the hardest to fill.”
Armstrong said the shelter offers those in need a cot to sleep on, a hot meal and breakfast, packed lunch, toiletries, a few games and the opporunity to talk, if requested.
“They are usually very tired and hungry. We also have warm clothing for them if they need it and we have taken some to the hospital.”
Cheryl McLeod, the co-ordinator for Immanuel Baptist volunteers, said more younger people should get involved.
“We take our warm beds for granted. The younger generation need to step up and take some responsibility because this need will grow and grow and we need to do something proactive now,” said McLeod.
“People don’t think Truro has a need but there is one. We don’t see it all the time, but there are homeless people and you never know what life will hand you. That could be you next week.”
Armstrong said although the numbers of clients at the shelter in the past couple of years have lessened, the need for a shelter still exists.
“There were eight to 10 people a night for the first two years and last year there were one to four a night,” said Armstrong, adding clients accepted are 16 and older.
“They are all very thankful one client got much needed help … went to school and is now a volunteer,” said Armstrong of how rewarding the shelter is for both clients and volunteers.
In an effort to find more volunteers for the winter shelter, a volunteer training and orienteering meeting will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Young Street on Monday beginning at 7 p.m. Co-ordinators and volunteers are especially needed for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.
“It would be nice to have someone who knows first aid and is a retired nurse as well,” added Armstrong.
In addition, donations at both churches are always accepted to assist the initiative. Monetary offerings as well as non-perishable food, clothing and other necessities will be accepted.
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