Blog: HSP Thankful for Volunteers at Cold Weather Shelter

It's really true what they say about volunteers -- you couldn't get as much done without them. HSP is a unique organization that incorporates the use of volunteers to help us with our many programs. One program in particular, the Cold Weather Shelter, utilizes an average of 125 volunteers clocking nearly 8,000 hours.This is an incredible amount of time and effort given the national and state average for a volunteer's hourly wage is a little more than $22. 

Providing a place for people to get out of the cold is a requirement that each county must meet. One paid staff works this shelter as it is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day of the cold weather season. Volunteers work from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., serving meals and helping prepare cots for the night.  HSP is always looking for volunteers to help during this time with the shelter.

For those who might be interested, new volunteer training is scheduled October 28 and November 2, 4 and 8 from 6:30 to 9 pm. For those volunteers who have worked in the past, their return training is scheduled October 25 and 26 and November 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. New and returning volunteers only have to attend one training date. The sessions are held at the Cold Weather Shelter at 127 Stoner Ave. in Westminster. Any donations of coffee, creamer and sugar are always appreciated and received with open arms.