Blog

As many of you know, the Evergreen Shelter Program (ESP) is active in our community from mid-November though mid-April. The mission of ESP is to provide compassion, warm food, shelter and company.  ESP does everything possible to deliver on all aspects of the mission and also to be safe in the midst of COVID-19.  The safety of the Clients (Guests) and volunteer staff is paramount.  EChO is able to offer this program through partnerships with Evergreen-area faith organizations, community volunteers. Congregation Beth Evergreen is one of the core faith organizations supporting ESP.  This year, EChO has also received a substantial grant through the Federal CARES Act.  

Many of our Guests have a long connection to the Evergreen and Mountain Community. Some were born here, grew up here, or moved here as adults. Some owned homes, held jobs, and raised families here – but through life’s hardships, lost housing and came to EChO for help.  We consider this work as “neighbors helping neighbors”.  Review the information below and please consider volunteering to be an Evening or Kitchen Host several times over the season.  EChO will provide appropriate training.  Without Hosts, ESP will not be able to operate and the Guests currently using the shelter will be either back in their cars or tents during the very cold winter nights.

In the 2020/2021 season, the shelter was open at a single location for over 160 nights.  Some other statistics:

• 31 unique Guests stayed a total of 713 Guest nights.  This was an average of 4.5 Guests per night.
• Overnight lowest temperature of -9 degrees for 3 nights in a row
• During Snow-magedden, the shelter was open for 63 continuous hours to support Guests
• 5 Site Coordinators (200 volunteer hours for the season)
• Over 60 different Evening Hosts (1500 volunteer hours for the season) 
  • Activities: Greet, Register the Guests, Serve Dinner, Provide warmth
• 2 Paid Staff as Overnight Hosts (10P-8A)
  • Serve Morning Breakfast, Provide Sack Lunches and Clean the facility

For the 2021/2022 season, ESP is looking to split the Evening Host position into an Evening Host (Greet, Register Guests) and a Kitchen Host (Reheat and Serve Dinner). These volunteer positions are staffed from 6P-10P each evening.  ESP is also looking for volunteers to prepare and deliver dinner to the facility.  You can go to Evergreen Shelter Program (ESP) for additional information.  You can also send an email to tikkunolam@bethevergreen.org for additional information.