WHO is operated at two locations: St. Paul Lutheran for single men (25 spots) and St. Andrew Lutheran for families (50 spots). Entry to the WHO is coordinated through the Council for the Homeless Housing Hotline: 360-695-9677. People needing shelter are directed to call the hotline.
The program is staffed at St Andrew, and enhanced at St Paul, by volunteers from many participating faith- and community- organizations, and individuals, in the Clark County area who sign up to take a full week or a block of several days throughout the season.
At St Andrew, there are 3 shifts to fill daily: 6-10 pm; 10 pm-6 am; 6 am-9 am. The overnight shift can be split if preferred. Each shift has a checklist of tasks to be completed. For example, the evening shift prepares the sleeping area, the overnight shift makes lunches, and the morning shift commences with clean up of the facility.
Churches are also welcome to provide a light supper each evening. Transportation of laundry will be accomplished by Share. The WHO is professionally staffed by case managers from Share who are on hand to greet the guests and to take care of any question or needs that the guests might have during the evening of their stay.
At St Paul, professional staffing is provided by Outsiders Inn, which allows the shelter to operate throughout the year, helping 25 men on their path to recovery from homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma. While the staff provides direct recovery support, 1 or 2 volunteers per shift assist with various tasks and are urged to spend considerable time in conversation with residents: 6 to 9 pm evenings, as well as 11 am to 2 pm weekends and holidays. Groups or individuals are also welcome to provide a supper each evening, which is scheduled 365 days a year thru a program called MealTrain.
Aside from these basic responsibilities, volunteers interact with the guests to provide the same type of hospitality that would be displayed in a home. Background checks and signed confidentiality agreements are required for every volunteer. Each facility handles these a bit differently; find the link under each Shelter Resource list.
Quick Facts
- St. Andrew has a bed capacity of 50 for single women, couples and families
- St. Paul has a bed capacity of 25 for single men
- Each WHO shelter is staffed with professional case managers who help guests work toward self-sufficiency
- More than 50 faith congregations and community organizations have donated time and talent to ensure each WHO site is open for five full months!
- Evening meals that are served at each shelter are made and delivered by members of the greater-Vancouver area. If you would like to provide a meal:
- for St Andrew, contact officemanager@salcvan.org
- for St Paul, Sign up using MealTrain.
