Springfield warming shelter to open for third season Nov. 15

Since January 2014, the Springfield Warming Shelter has served as a refuge for homeless people struggling to make it through the cold winter months.
http://eagletimes.villagesoup.com/p/springfield-warming-shelter-to-open-for-third-season-nov-15/1409718

Springfield warming shelter to open for third season Nov. 15 By ALLAN STEIN | Sep 10, 2015 SPRINGFIELD — Since January 2014, the Springfield Warming Shelter has served as a refuge for homeless people struggling to make it through the cold winter months. On Nov. 15, the shelter is scheduled to open for its third season of operation at the North Springfield Baptist Church at 69 Main St. "The goal of the shelter is to provide a safe, warm place for up to eight people to stay overnight during the coldest months of the year," said Paul Cioffi, shelter manager. The shelter officially opened Jan. 17, 2014 with the support of a $15,000 grant from the Vermont Agency of Human Services and private donations. Cioffi said the shelter is split into separate rooms of four beds for men and women, including a third room for two volunteers. "It has been pretty steady," Cioffi said of the demand for the shelter. "We average three to four people a night, but over the course of two seasons we've had 51 people. It could be for any reasons, but mostly they are homeless. They don't have a place to stay." The shelter will be open seven days a week from 6:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. and will operate until April 15. Guests are admitted to the shelter on a first-come, first serve basis until 10 p.m. and may stay for as long as beds are available. They are also referred to local social service agencies so that they can obtain the services and support they need, Cioffi said. "The critical need right now is getting enough volunteers to staff the shelter," he said. Cioffi said volunteers choose the dates they staff the shelter. There is no minimum number of dates a volunteer must commit to. For more information on becoming a volunteer or to assist the shelter with meals and supplies, call (802) 245-4640 or email Cioffi at pfcioffi3@gmail.com. Financial donations can be made payable to SEVCA and mailed to: Springfield Warming Shelter, P.O. Box 243, North Springfield, Vermont 05150.