Shelter & Volunteer Info
Through an effort by the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People and the local faith community, MSA United Way coordinated a system for overflow sheltering this winter. As of 11/30/12, we are grateful to report that overflow space in churches has not and is not projected to be needed. In case the number of families seeking shelter does steadily increase in the next months, we are prepared to quickly re-mobilize the project. For more information and to register to volunteer to help keep our community prepared, please see the FAQs below.
Who will be sheltered?
Temporary shelter will be provided for 5-7 families (up to 35 people) in a church.
When will guests be sheltered?
From Sunday, November 4, 2012 through Saturday March 3, 2013. Temporary shelter will be provided on a weekly, rotating basis at churches – Sunday night through Saturday night. Guests will be dropped off at 9pm and picked up at 7am each day (times may be slightly adjusted).
Who will screen guests?
Prior to arrival, local homeless shelter staff will assess overflow needs and which families can be safely sheltered in a church setting.
What support will be provided to the church? 
- Volunteer training
- Coordination of supplies
- Ongoing support and communication
What are churches asked to provide?
- Congregational support
- 1 Church coordinator
- 4 volunteers each night of shelter (2 male and 2 female)
- Additional volunteers to:
- Deliver supplies to the next church at end of week
- Clean up each morning
- Set up bedding and other supplies prior to each night
- Collect bedding linens/blankets into laundry bags each morning
- Provide evening snacks and morning coffee and snacks
For additional information or to volunteer refer to the links below.
To maintain the privacy and security of everyone involved shelter locations and the host schedule will not be publicized. For more information please contact United Way at 701-255-3601 or email impact@msaunitedway.org.
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