A high number of people are seeking shelter in the Night Off the Streets, Inc. (NOTS) Center in Carson City, and additional volunteers are needed to support night-time shifts in the warming center.
The warming center was established eight years ago after four people died of the cold on the streets. “No one has died since the center started offering shelter during the freezing winter nights. Additional volunteers will help us more smoothly welcome and set up sleeping spaces for our guests as well as serve as monitors during the night,” said Jodi Miller, Center Manager.
Nearly 30 guests per night have slept in the center since it opened for the Winter season in November. Those numbers are expected to increase during December.
The number of women and people of retirement age sleeping in the center continue to increase as the lack of affordable housing continues in the area. NOTS offers night-time shelter from November through March.
Volunteers serve three shifts during each night. The first shift starts at 8:00 pm. The second shift starts at 11:45 pm, and the third shift starts at 3:45 am and ends at 7 am.
All volunteers receive orientation and training on their role and responsibilities before serving in the NOTS center. First-time volunteers initially serve with an experienced volunteer to receive further “on-the-job” training.
A different church in Carson City hosts the center every month. The First Presbyterian Church is offering shelter in December. The center moves to the First United Methodist Church on January 1.
For more information on how to volunteer for NOTS, contact notscarson@outlook.com or call 775-600-2215.
