Last week, the society had to close its shelter for at least one night because there weren’t enough volunteers to keep it open and they couldn’t make alternate arrangements.
“One until eight in the morning is a hard shift to fill,” said Philip Quigley, chairman of the society. “It takes a lot of commitment to do that shift. It’s a hard run. There were two nights we went to a motel because we didn’t have the volunteers.”
The society operates the shelter year-round, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., from the First United Church in Truro. There are two volunteer shifts – 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., and 1-8 a.m.
“That overnight shift is something we have always struggled with,” said volunteer co-ordinator Autumn Doucette. “Most of our volunteers work, and they’re not always able to come in overnight when they’re working. We’re in a bit of a pinch when it comes to volunteers.”
The society has a group of about 60 volunteers who spend at least one shift a month at the shelter. Doucette said they could easily use 100, if not 120. She’s been spending time out in the community trying to recruit some new ones, and she has had some success.
“Right now, we have about six to eight guests per night, but that will pick up soon with winter coming. It’s starting to get colder at night,” she added.
With summer ending, Quigley said they should see a shift in their volunteer numbers for the winter, but that’s not helping them now.
“We do have some chronic homelessness in Truro. We have a ‘length of stay’ policy, and some volunteers say if we don’t enact that policy, they won’t volunteer. Some will say if we do enact that policy, they won’t volunteer,” he said.
The policy is for one year, because the society’s main objective is to eliminate homelessness by helping people into homes and programs, if needed.
“As long as a person is working toward that goal, we will help them,” he said. “For example that first month getting into your own place can be tough, and we try to cushion that. They still have some needs.”
But on the other side of things, Quigley said some people choose to remain homeless, and they have to respect those decisions.
“At the same time, nobody will be out in the cold in those months. The society is one built with compassion and a sense of that we won’t give up,” he said.
Anyone wishing to volunteer with the shelter can call Autumn Doucette at 902-957-1629, or email [email protected]. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
Last week, the society had to close its shelter for at least one night because there weren’t enough volunteers to keep it open and they couldn’t make alternate arrangements.
“One until eight in the morning is a hard shift to fill,” said Philip Quigley, chairman of the society. “It takes a lot of commitment to do that shift. It’s a hard run. There were two nights we went to a motel because we didn’t have the volunteers.”
The society operates the shelter year-round, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., from the First United Church in Truro. There are two volunteer shifts – 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., and 1-8 a.m.
“That overnight shift is something we have always struggled with,” said volunteer co-ordinator Autumn Doucette. “Most of our volunteers work, and they’re not always able to come in overnight when they’re working. We’re in a bit of a pinch when it comes to volunteers.”
The society has a group of about 60 volunteers who spend at least one shift a month at the shelter. Doucette said they could easily use 100, if not 120. She’s been spending time out in the community trying to recruit some new ones, and she has had some success.
“Right now, we have about six to eight guests per night, but that will pick up soon with winter coming. It’s starting to get colder at night,” she added.
With summer ending, Quigley said they should see a shift in their volunteer numbers for the winter, but that’s not helping them now.
“We do have some chronic homelessness in Truro. We have a ‘length of stay’ policy, and some volunteers say if we don’t enact that policy, they won’t volunteer. Some will say if we do enact that policy, they won’t volunteer,” he said.
The policy is for one year, because the society’s main objective is to eliminate homelessness by helping people into homes and programs, if needed.
“As long as a person is working toward that goal, we will help them,” he said. “For example that first month getting into your own place can be tough, and we try to cushion that. They still have some needs.”
But on the other side of things, Quigley said some people choose to remain homeless, and they have to respect those decisions.
“At the same time, nobody will be out in the cold in those months. The society is one built with compassion and a sense of that we won’t give up,” he said.
Anyone wishing to volunteer with the shelter can call Autumn Doucette at 902-957-1629, or email [email protected]. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
