Dear St. John’s,
As we enter the colder months, we are excited to share an update on St. John’s ongoing Shelter from the Storm efforts and our partnership in supporting our unhoused neighbors throughout our community.
This weekend marks the first official Cold Purple activation in our area, and we are beginning to see the growing need for emergency shelter as temperatures drop. HERE in Jackson County has been able to assist individuals in need this weekend by providing hotel rooms. However, there is already an active waitlist, and the need for additional warm, safe spaces is expected to increase as the season progresses.
Here at St. John’s, we are continuing to prepare to support these efforts. Our 16 cots have officially been ordered, picked up, and are currently on their way to the parish! This is an exciting step toward being able to offer emergency weather shelter and a warm, welcoming space for our neighbors when they need it most.
We urgently need a few helping hands TODAY!
We are looking for volunteers who are available to come to the parish around 4:30 PM today (Saturday, November 14) to help unload the 16 cots when they arrive. If you are available to lend a hand, please reach out!
Looking ahead, we are also beginning to build a volunteer network for when emergency shelter operations open. Whether you are interested in helping with shelter setup and operations, assisting with logistics and community resources, or supporting these efforts in another capacity, we would love to hear from you.
Interested in volunteering or learning more?
Please reach out to Aeryn Knight via email arcolton16@gmail.com or text 828-482-7276.
We also want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this work. From the initial brainstorming and conversations to writing and securing the grant to the street outreach and community research conducted over the summer and now to preparing to offer emergency weather shelter, this has truly been a community effort.
Every conversation, hour volunteered, connection made, and contribution has helped bring us to this point. We are grateful for everyone who has shared their time, knowledge, resources, and care along the way.
At its heart, Shelter from the Storm is about showing up for our neighbors, making sure people have somewhere warm and safe to turn when the weather becomes dangerous, and putting our faith into action through the love and care we extend to our community.
Thank you for helping us make that possible.