The Burien Severe Weather Shelter announced on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 that they will likely open later this week – when cold temps are expected to hit the low 20s – and Volunteers and donations are needed.
The shelter operates out of Highline United Methodist Church, located at 13015 1st Ave South (map below).
Organizers said they are continuing to evaluate the weather forecast, and it’s looking very likely that they will be opening the overnight Severe Weather Shelter later in the week.
Volunteers Needed
In the meantime, they are seeking volunteers through the week to help them get the space ready and sort through donations.
“Please come by Monday (today!!), Tuesday, and/or Thursday this week between 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. to help them prepare if you have availability (no need to sign up). If you would like to take the lead on cooking one night please contact shelter.highlineumc@gmail.com to confirm a date and make sure we have the ingredients you need.”
Opening a Day Center
Organizers are also in the process of opening a Day Center to serve the homeless community.
“We say ‘in the process’ because we are still waiting for a completed contract from the city, and this is moving a little more slowly than originally anticipated,” they said. “Once we have completed the paperwork we will be ready to begin scheduling volunteers to work with us.”
They are partnering with the King County Regional Housing Authority (KCRHA) as a Hub for the 2024 Point in Time (PIT) Count the week of Jan. 22-26th. KCRHA is looking for volunteers to help with this important project. You can find more information on the PIT as well as volunteer opportunities for this specific project here.
More information on the Burien Day Center:
- The purpose of the Day Center is to provide services on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for the public.
- Their focus will be to provide a safe and welcoming place for our guests to come during the days to have lunch, get supplies, meet with service providers, and learn job readiness skills for those who need it.
- Guests may participate at whatever level they feel comfortable from just resting inside to assisting with meals and custodial work. Everyone is welcome.
“This is an exciting new venture we are able to pursue thanks to a grant from the city’s ARPA funds,” officials said. “To make this a more successful and community centered endeavor, we are looking for volunteers to help in similar ways to the Severe Weather Shelter.”
Are you interested in volunteering? They are looking for folks who want to:
- Help in the kitchen – assist with lunch prep and service
- Help guests settle in, find their way around and retrieve needed supplies from the closet
To view available Activity SignUp(s) or to donate online, please click the link below:
Burien Severe Weather Shelter
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