The City of Ashland and Joy of Volunteering, a new organization working to support Ashland’s unhoused community, will host an orientation July 9 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at 2200 Ashland Street behind Oil Stop.
The group is looking for volunteers that would like to support our unhoused friends and neighbors with compassion, clear communication, an open heart, and strong personal boundaries.
“We need people to host this summer’s cooling and smoke shelters, to provide meals and snacks, and to offer transportation,” wrote Avram Sacks, who will facilitate the orientation.
The Cooling Shelters will be called when the temperature is predicted to go above 95 degrees and will usually run from noon to 7PM. The smoke shelters will be called when the smoke level rises above 150, and will stay open until the smoke drops below 150. Hosts will be needed for daytime and overnight shifts.
Providing transportation for folks from downtown to 2200 Ashland Street in excessive heat or smoke can really make a huge difference. Most unhoused people carry their belongings with them. It could be quite challenging to walk that distance when they might already be suffering from dehydration or exhaustion.
Those who like to prepare food could offer smoothies, watermelon, snacks or a light meal. Many more people come to the shelters when they know that food will be provided.
Detailed job descriptions will be given at the orientation: Tuesday, July 9th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at 2200 Ashland St., Ashland.
For more information, please contact Avram at 541-220-7307.
