FUMC participates in the Cold Weather Shelter Program coordinated through Austin Public Health. APH coordinates with local churches and city emergency officials to open additional space to provide temporary overnight shelter on freezing nights. Austin’s lack of shelter space forces many people experiencing homelessness to sleep outside during winter months.
FUMC provides shelter for up to 20 women on Tuesday nights when the predicted overnight low is expected to be 35 degrees and wet or 32 degrees and dry. The City makes a decision by noon whether to activate faith-based facilities for that night.
We will have shifts on Tuesday nights for volunteers to welcome and greet our guests, provide/serve dinner, and serve as overnight hosts. If you would like to volunteer and help us offer a warm and welcoming place for women to stay on these cold nights, please sign up online. If you need additional information, please contact Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org or 478-5684 ext. 215.
NOTE TO VOLUNTEERS: This signup is restricted to volunteers who have served before; attended training; and completed a background check or completed TRUSTed con Confianza Certification. If you are interested in serving with us and are not on this approved list, please email Pastor Cathy at cathy@fumcaustin.org.
Required: Background check – email emily@fumcaustin.org to request
Recommended:
- TRUSTed con Confianza Certification (vulnerable adults)
- Attend Mental Health First Aid Training through Integral Care
