Room at the inn: Warming Shelter offers safe haven for homeless

Once left to sleep under bridges or in abandoned buildings, homeless people in the Springfield area are now able to stay overnight in a warm place thanks to the ongoing efforts of dozens of volunteers and community groups.

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Room at the inn: Warming Shelter offers safe haven for homeless BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The Shopper December 19, 2017 shelter Shelter Manager Kathy Mason reviews volunteer schedule. Photo by Karen Engdahl. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Once left to sleep under bridges or in abandoned buildings, homeless people in the Springfield area are now able to stay overnight in a warm place thanks to the ongoing efforts of dozens of volunteers and community groups. For the past five winters, the Springfield Warming Shelter, located at the North Springfield Baptist Church, has provided a place for up to eight people to spend the night during the coldest months of the year. Each night four volunteers staff the shelter in two shifts to support the needs of the guests. “The biggest reward I get from volunteering is just seeing the difference it makes to give people something to eat and a warm place to sleep,” said Barbie Pine, long time shelter volunteer. “Most people are so grateful.” Working with her on a six-hour shift, her husband, Dennis, echoed her sentiments. “Lots of people in this community want to help,” he said. “I think a lot of people know this kind of thing could happen to them at some point. Some people just need help through a hard time.” shelter Volunteers Dennis and Barbie Pine and Manager Kathy Mason start their shift. Photo by Karen Engdahl. Shelter Manager Kathy Mason added, “We feel especially good about the major success stories, like when a guest stays here for an extended period of time while working and saving for a deposit on an apartment. Many people who are homeless have jobs, but it takes a long time to put together enough money for housing. Housing costs are a big problem in this area.” Mason cited other factors influencing local cases of homelessness, including general effects of poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness. “We spend time with guests letting them know about services in the area,” she explained, “and most of them are very receptive.” Mason and the Pines agree that staffing the shelter is the biggest challenge the organization faces. “We need to cover 120 shifts a month,” Mason said, “and right now we’re doing it with 65 volunteers. We especially need more coverage for the 12:30-6:30 a.m. shifts Thursday through Sunday.” Mason noted the volunteer force has increased significantly since the Warming Shelter started using Facebook. “We’re reaching more young volunteers through social media,” she said. shelter Warming shelter volunteer Dennis Pine prepares bedding. Photo by Karen Engdahl. Another challenge is transportation for guests who don’t have cars. “Bus service is tricky because there are some gaps between the shelter hours and the times the buses run,” explained Dennis Pine. “That can leave people literally waiting in the snow for a half-hour or more.” Despite the challenges inherent in the work, all agreed the rewards are well worth it. “The Springfield community has been very generous,” said Mason. “High school kids recently ran a coat drive and also brought in cash donations; people give food and bring meals; we’ve had lots of donations of things like toiletries and socks.” Right now, she says, bed linens such as sheets and pillowcases are needed. For more information about volunteering and/or donating to the Warming Shelter, contact Mason at 888-264-3001 or Facebook @springfieldvtwarmingshelter.