Regional winter shelters established

The Interfaith Shelter Network Rotational Shelter Program will open its winter shelter program in October.

“Now is the time for any congregation interested in sheltering homeless individuals and families for two weeks to contact our office and get on the schedule,” explained Joe Zilvinskis, Rotational Shelter coordinator for the countywide program.

In order to become a host site for the program, a congregation must be able to set aside a minimum of 750 square feet in a space that meets all fire, safety, and health codes. The congregation must be willing to provide dinner, overnight supervision, a continental breakfast, and a sack lunch to shelter guests. Cots are provided by St. Vincent de Paul Village.

All guests are pre-screened and monitored by local social service agencies. The guests leave the congregational facilities during the day to seek employment and/or housing and to complete tasks that will lead to self-sufficiency. The Rotational Shelter Program is also seeking support congregations who can help with meals and overnight supervision at host sites. For more information, phone the shelter office at (619)702-5399 or visit the program’s website at www.interfaithshelter.org