U.U.-FOR Emergency Winter
Overnight Shelter
Because of
dangerously dropping temperatures in December, the Mid-MO Fellowship of Reconciliation
and the UU Church have come together to provide emergency shelter to our town’s
most vulnerable from December 9-20, in advance of the opening of Room at the
Inn shelters on January 1st. We will be using Room at the Inn
standards as our guide and welcoming regular Room at the Inn volunteers, as
well as church and FOR volunteers. This effort has come together quickly in
response to urgent need, and we are working hard to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of our homeless guests and
our neighbors. See below for some key facts about this effort.
This time
of year is one of charity and human warmth, even amid the frigid temperatures,
and we certainly invite the support of our neighbors as we work to provide
shelter and sanctuary for those most vulnerable. If you would like to volunteer
in some way, you may contact Jeff Stack at 573-449-4585, and donations of pre-packaged foods
(particularly snack foods and portable breakfast foods) and warm winter
garments are always welcome at the church.
Key Facts
Organizer:
Mid-MO Fellowship of Reconciliation
Host: UU
Church of Columbia, 2615 Shepard Blvd.
Dates: December
9-20
Time:
overnight… ~ 6pm-7am
Guests will
be transported to and from the church directly by van or bus.
Police will
be present while guests arrive and settle in. Guests will be asked to remain on
church property at all times.
Guests will
be supervised by a minimum of three volunteers at any given time. Volunteers
will be informed of Room at the Inn standards and rules.
This
shelter will be a drug-free, alcohol-free, and weapon-free zone. Guest’s
belongings will be stored for the duration of their stay, and may only be
accessed under supervision.
Doors will
be locked and lights out at 10:30pm. If a guest needs to leave, they will not
be re-admitted, and volunteers will provide transportation out of the
neighborhood.
If a guest
becomes perceived to be a danger to him/herself or others, the police will be
called immediately.
In faith,
Rev. Molly Housh Gordon
UU Church of Columbia
2615 Shepard Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201
office: (573) 442-5764
