County Commission Applauds Shelter Coaltion

Upon learning of the efforts of the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition, George Hanns, had a letter of commendation read into the official record of the governing body.  Hanns noted that "The Cold Weather Shelter expresses the finest in collaborative efforts of the Flagler County community, and demonstrates a resolve to reach out and assist the increasing number of homeless found in our community."

The communication, on offical County Commission letterhead was presented to Shelter CEO Carla Traister in the Commission Chambers.  The recognition helped to bolster the many wonderful volunteers who have come forward to make the shelter a reality and who have given so unstintingly of their time, effort, energy and attention to the work of helping those who are in the most dire of need.  

The letter read:

November 26, 2008


Rabbi Merrill Shapiro
Temple Beth Shalom
40 Wellington Drive
Post Office Box 350557
Palm Coast, FL 32135-0557

Dear Rabbi Shapiro:

Seldom do we have an opportunity to herald the merits of local residents who go beyond the call of duty for those less fortunate. This is one such opportunity which I wish to bring to the forefront.

The extreme weather of Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 19, 2008 provided the opportunity for the first opening of the Cold Weather Shelter operated by the Flagler County Cold Weather Shelter Coalition. Made up of faith-based and social service groups within Flagler County, this group saw the need and acted upon it without delay. Operating out of the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, the shelter opened at 6:00 p.m. and provided much needed food, cots, blankets, towels and supplies to those in need as the temperature dipped below 40 degrees. We want to acknowledge that even though staffing and supplies were adequate for the current need, as the word spreads, these needs will greatly increase. We support your call to the kind citizens of our community to open their generous hearts to aide and assist in your endeavors.

The Cold Weather Shelter expresses the finest in collaborative efforts of the Flagler County community, and demonstrates a resolve to reach out and assist the increasing number of homeless found in our community.  

You and the entire Cold Weather Shelter Coalition are to be applauded for your humanitarian efforts. Moreover, may you all be richly blessed by your efforts of good faith and caring deeds.

Sincerely,


George Hanns, Vice Chair

cc: Flagler County Board of County Commissioners
 Craig Coffey, County Administrator
 Sally Sherman, Deputy County Administrator

Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition Becomes A “Jenny’s Hero!”

Jenny Jones, host of The Jenny Jones Show from 1991 until 2003, is giving away 2 million dollars! Fortified with the concern of Shelter CEO Carla Traister about the soaring utility bill at the shelter’s host , First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, Rabbi Merrill Shapiro felt that the fledgling Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition could use some of those funds. All of the efforts to help the homeless on the coldest nights was beginning to show up on the heating bill of the host, First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, the pulpit of Shelter inspiration Reverend Elizabeth Gardner

Jenny Jones has been well-known for her works of charity. She was an honorary chairperson for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Chicago Race for the Cure, an annual event that raises awareness and money for breast cancer research. Jones also donated a mobile mammography motor coach to Cook County Hospital. Then she founded the Jenny’s Heroes program to give away that 2 million dollars. The first million was given to benefit thousands of people through the identification of heroes who through their voluntary efforts create a better life for those in need in their own local communities.  

By singling out such heroes, Jones, especially at her website www.jennysheroes.com creates examples for others to follow. She takes pride in highlighting the efforts of rather ordinary people who have taken heroic actions to benefit those in need.

Rabbi Shapiro made application on behalf of the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition and received a grant of $3000 to purchase computer equipment and high-speed internet access at the shelter location in the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell.  

Shelter CEO Carla Traister and the Church’s Reverend Elizabeth Gardner, called Shapiro to get him to the church one morning for what was to be a newspaper “photo-op.” Upon arriving at the church and entering the office, there was a telephone call for the Rabbi. Shapiro took the phone and, on the other end of the line, Jenny Jones introduced herself and told the Rabbi of the grant.  

Now, the Shelter Coalition has a computer to organize and reach out to volunteers and is available to homeless guests to allow them internet access. “Traister and Gardner are the real heroes,” said Shapiro. “They are the ignition, the heat and the light that make this wonderful endeavor possible.”

Shelter Guest Census Continues to Rise

Coordinator Carla Traister in Shelter Kitchen

Late fall cold has the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter open more than expected and the guest census grows with each opening.  The number of homeless in Flagler County is the subject of great debate, but the most common estimate of some 200 people without meaningful shelter stands to be challenged as more guest show up at the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell.

In the meantime, more and more recognition is being showered on the shelter coalition by the media and by the Flagler County government

 

Newspaper Coverage Calls Attention to the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter

Our Cold Weather Shelter received lots of attention from the Daytona News Journal:

November 29, 2008 

Cold-weather shelter opens doors to guests 
By JACQUE ESTES 
Staff Writer 


When nighttime temperatures dropped below 40 degrees on Nov. 16, the doors opened for the first time at the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter at the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell on Pine Street.

Three men took the opportunity to have a warm night's sleep and a good meal.

"We are offering a place for them to get out of the cold," said Carla Traister, coordinator for the newly formed shelter made up of faith-based and social service groups in Flagler County. "Our doors are open to anyone, the homeless or those who have had their heat shut off and have no place to go, or those living in their cars."

The shelter, which can accommodate up to 40 people, had 11 registered and five repeat guests the first week. Traister is adamant about referring to those who use the shelter as guests.

"I wanted them treated with respect," Traister said. "Those who came in are independent men who are proud of their independence. They take day labor and have a home base somewhere out there. They are making their way through life the best that they can. They are just like you and I."

Those who stay at the shelter, which opens when the temperature falls below 40, receive much more than a place to sleep. New jackets, hats, gloves and underwear are given to those who want them. And then there's the interaction with the staff.

"We have had such a good time with them," Traister said. "These are delightful people and really intelligent.

Knowing a shower can make a big difference in their lives, the Church on the Rock, a little more than a mile north of the shelter site on U.S. 1 in Bunnell, has offered its showers for those staying at the shelter. Traister said the men have accepted the offer.

"Getting there is the biggest problem," Traister said.

But lack of transportation hasn't stopped those interested. According to Traister, many ride bicycles and one man walked to the other church.

During the first week the shelter was open, Traister said all of the guests were men, but she is ready for women and families looking for a safe and warm place to sleep.

"Plans are in place for women and families," she said. "We can divide off the room if we have a woman come in and we can open up a Sunday school room for a family to stay in."

Traister said she is aware of some high school teenagers who are living out of their cars and has a volunteer, Sue Biggings, helping to get them inside on the cold nights.

Knowing that many people would rather stay outside in the cold than abandon their pet, the shelter has even included provisions for the occasional dog.

"Pets will be kept in a separate room in crates," she said, adding that she understood the devotion to pets. "I wouldn't leave my dog out on a cold night."

The Red Cross donated cots to the coalition to use during the winter months. If the numbers should rise beyond 40, Traister said the Church on the Rock has again stepped up and offered space for an additional 12 people. It's something she hopes will happen in other parts of the county.

"We would like to see one (a shelter) opened in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach," she said.

Currently, Traister said they are well stocked with the clothing items and what they really need are additional volunteers.

jacque.estes@news-jrnl.com

Want to help?

To find out what the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter can use or to learn more about volunteering, call 386-517-7305 daily before 5 p.m.

Informational Meeting and Volunteer Training Set for Dec. 7th

Make plans now to attend this training and informational meeting!
ATTENTION!!
Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition Partners, Volunteers, and Interested Participants:
announcing a
Training and Information Meeting
Sunday, December 7th, 6:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
205 North Pine Street, Bunnell
386-437-3258

Come hear a report of our activities so far, help us further organize for effectiveness, and hear about volunteer and “wish list” opportunities.

The shelter project expresses the finest impulses of the Flagler County Community and demonstrates a resolve to reach out and assist the increasing number of homeless people found in the community. It is the determination of the Shelter Coalition that each and every human being deserves a helping hand, deserves to know that there is some support system to which they can turn at times of need.

The Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition is made up of faith-based and social service groups in Flagler County. It operates a Cold-Weather Shelter, open nights when the temperature is below 40 degrees at the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, 205 North Pine Street, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

More Information available at 386-437-3258

The Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition has immediate needs for members of the following three teams. Please call 386-437-3258 and leave a message telling us how you will help! Thanks!

OVERNIGHTERS
 Overnighters will serve from 7:30 pm till 6:30 am. Shelter Coordinator will also stay overnight.
 Provide hot and cold beverages.
 Set out left-overs and peanut butter, jelly and bread for latecomers and for snacking.
 Set out cards, games, paper, pens and envelopes.
 Toward morning, set out warm clothing, gloves, socks, underwear, Chap-stick, gloves, sleeping bags for guests to take with them if they wish.
 Welcome new arrivals throughout the night and provide them with mats, sleeping bags, Grace Bags, and food and beverages if they wish.
 Check bathrooms for supplies and cleanliness.
 Stay awake J, monitor the room and enjoy the company.
 Make coffee for breakfast; help serve breakfast at 6:30 am.



SUPPER TEAM
 Decide on menu for supper and breakfast.
 Prepare a supper and a simple breakfast for the “Rise ‘n Shine” team to serve.
 Provide hot and cold beverages for the guests for both supper and breakfast.
 Serve supper for the guests at 6 pm.
 Wash dishes.
 Clean kitchen and wipe off tables.


RISE ‘N SHINE TEAM
 Set up a few tables if none are up.
 Serve simple breakfast provided by Supper Team.
 Guests can roll up mats and place blankets in trash bags to be laundered.
 Remind guests that they may take a sleeping bag (or blanket they used), warm clothing, hat, jacket, gloves, socks and underwear when they leave.
 Offer a ride to The Church on the Rock for a shower.
 Give each guest a roll of TP to take with them.
 Wipe tables, wash dishes.
 Put mats, extra blankets and clothing in storage closets.
 Clean bathrooms. Restock TP and paper towels if necessary.
 Dry-mop Fellowship hall; wet-mop where necessary.
 You may be asked to launder blankets and towels.

FCCWSC Organization Structure Detailed

The organizational structure of the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition has been announced. Seven types of teams are described, any number of such teams under each description can be established by coalition members or any willing group. The Seven teams include a Hospitality Team, a Overnighter's Team, a Supper Team, a Rise 'n Shine Team, a Laundry Team, a Coordinator's Team and a team of Shelter Representatives.

TEAM TASKS
HOSPITALITY TEAM (3 or more people)
 Volunteers will serve from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
 Set up welcome/registration table and chair at entrance.
 Welcome and register guests as they enter.
 Offer each guest a “Grace bag”.
 Set up tables and chairs for serving supper.
 Get mats and blankets; lay out a few.
 Check bathrooms for paper towels and toilet paper (two TP in each restroom) and pump soap dispenser.
 Supply each bathroom with basket of toiletries from Fellowship Hall closet. The baskets for men and women’s bathrooms are different.
 Hang signs in bathrooms concerning “showering” in the sink, flushing feminine products down toilets, and “Please keep area clean”.
 Set up TV/DVD in front left corner of Fellowship Hall.
 Suggest to guests to keep a center aisle clear for getting to restrooms.

OVERNIGHTERS
 Overnighters will serve from 7:30 pm till 6:30 am. Shelter Coordinator will also stay overnight.
 Provide hot and cold beverages.
 Set out left-overs and peanut butter, jelly and bread for latecomers and for snacking.
 Set out cards, games, paper, pens and envelopes.
 Toward morning, set out warm clothing, gloves, socks, underwear, Chap-stick, gloves, sleeping bags for guests to take with them if they wish.
 Welcome new arrivals throughout the night and provide them with mats, sleeping bags, Grace Bags, and food and beverages if they wish.
 Check bathrooms for supplies and cleanliness.
 Stay awake , monitor the room and enjoy the company.
 Make coffee for breakfast; help serve breakfast at 6:30 am.



SUPPER TEAM
 Decide on menu for supper and breakfast.
 Prepare a supper and a simple breakfast for the “Rise ‘n Shine” team to serve.
 Provide hot and cold beverages for the guests for both supper and breakfast.
 Serve supper for the guests at 6 pm.
 Wash dishes.
 Clean kitchen and wipe off tables.


RISE ‘N SHINE TEAM
 Set up a few tables if none are up.
 Serve simple breakfast provided by Supper Team.
 Guests can roll up mats and place blankets in trash bags to be laundered.
 Remind guests that they may take a sleeping bag (or blanket they used), warm clothing, hat, jacket, gloves, socks and underwear when they leave.
 Offer a ride to The Church on the Rock for a shower.
 Give each guest a roll of TP to take with them.
 Wipe tables, wash dishes.
 Put mats, extra blankets and clothing in storage closets.
 Clean bathrooms. Restock TP and paper towels if necessary.
 Dry-mop Fellowship hall; wet-mop where necessary.
 You may be asked to launder blankets and towels.


LAUNDRY TEAM
 Pick up towels and blankets in trash bags in morning. Launder and return at your convenience.





COORDINATORS
 3 Shelter Coordinators will rotate staffing the shelter.
 Develop and maintain a “Phone tree” of Shelter Representatives, team member numbers at each agency and volunteer teams used each shelter night. Teams used will be rotated among agencies.
 Using NOAA and local weather forecasts, decide on the opening of the shelter.
 Notify Sheriff’s office that shelter will be open.
Numbers: 437-4116, or for P.C sub-station, 445-5525.
 Initiate the “phone tree”; call Shelter Representatives to fill assigned positions for each shelter night.
 Open and close FUMC Building and oversee shelter operations for that night.
 Stays as Overnight volunteer.
 Communicates volunteer assignments to other Shelter Coordinators to facilitate rotation of volunteers among participating organizations.

SHELTER REPRESENTATIVES (CONTACT Person at each agency)
 Is the contact person between the Shelter Coordinators and Agency they represent and communicate successes, needs and challenges to both groups.
 Will receive call from Coordinators and calls individual volunteers of assigned team to inform them the shelter will be open.
 Maintains roster of volunteer teams, members of all teams and contact information.
 Identify a volunteer to cover for you when you are unavailable (e.g., out of town, have guests, illnesses, etc.).

Shelter Wish List Announced

As a communal effort, the Flagler County Cold-Weather Shelter Coalition depends heavily on donations to meet the needs of the most worthy of goals. Currently, the FCCCWS Coalition has need for the following items. If you wish to donate them, please contact the Shelter at 386-437-3258.

Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Coffee (both with and without caffeine)
First Aid Kit and supplies
Antibiotic ointment, adhesive tape, gauze, etc.
Dish Detergent
Sponges
Coffee Creamer
Family-size (as opposed to commercial) pots and pans

Thinking about making such a donation? The Coalition is more than grateful for all of your support!