by Morgan Rothborne for Ashland.news
The last leaves are falling from the trees and winter is in the air. As soon as temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below, the city of Ashland will call for a severe weather shelter to give those without homes or access to heat somewhere to go.
To operate the shelter, the city needs volunteers.
Avram Sacks, the city’s volunteer coordinator for the shelter, will hold an orientation session for new volunteers so they can be certified for this season. The orientation is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the new shelter facility at 2200 Ashland St.
No previous experience is required, only the ability to exercise compassion, have an open heart and set boundaries, according to a post on the city of Ashland’s website. Volunteers could work morning or evening shifts, but overnight shifts are not required.
The Ashland City Council on Nov. 7 approved a contract with Options for Helping Residents of Ashland to operate the severe weather shelter this winter. OHRA will provide trained staff to operate the shelter, unlike previous years where Ashland’s severe weather shelter was operated entirely by volunteers.
For more information, contact Sacks by phone at 541-220-7307 or by email at avramsacks@gmail.com
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news
