“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.'”
Matthew 25:44-45
COLD WEATHER MEN’S SHELTER
November 1 – March 31
There are many agencies, churches and volunteer groups who work together every winter season to provide a safe, warm place to sleep for our unhoused neighbors. During the winter months, East Sunshine offers an overnight cold weather men’s shelter, providing a place of respite from harsh overnight temperatures.
We operate the shelter from November 1 through March 31, opening whenever the fore-casted temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower between the hours of 10:00pm and 4:00am.
How can I help?
Volunteer Opportunities
Hospitality
Hospitality/Check-in volunteers set the tone for our guests by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive at the shelter by 6:30 PM.
- Set up the shelter space for guests.
- Make coffee and stock the snack offerings. Greet guests as they arrive.
- Serve beverages
- Clean-up area
Hospitality
Hospitality/Check-in volunteers set the tone for our guests by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive at the shelter by 6:30 PM.
- Set up the shelter space for guests.
- Make coffee and stock the snack offerings. Greet guests as they arrive.
- Serve beverages
- Clean-up area
Overnights
Overnight male volunteers ensure that our guests have a secure and restful night.
Half shifts are available: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM or 2:00 AM – 7:00 AM.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive by 7:00 PM and assist guests in getting settled.
- Lights usually turn off by 10:00 PM.
- Coordinate overnight hours among volunteers to ensure each gets some rest.
- Stay until the guests depart, typically by 7:00 AM the next day.
Overnights
Overnight male volunteers ensure that our guests have a secure and restful night.
Half shifts are available: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM or 2:00 AM – 7:00 AM.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive by 7:00 PM and assist guests in getting settled.
- Lights usually turn off by 10:00 PM.
- Coordinate overnight hours among volunteers to ensure each gets some rest.
- Stay until the guests depart, typically by 7:00 AM the next day.
Morning Sanitation
Sanitation volunteers play an essential part in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our shelter.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive by 7:00 AM at our building.
- Clean the shelter area, sanitize cots and pillows and other common spaces.
- All cleaning supplies are provided by the shelter.
- The cleaning typically takes approximately 1 hour.
Morning Sanitation
Sanitation volunteers play an essential part in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our shelter.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive by 7:00 AM at our building.
- Clean the shelter area, sanitize cots and pillows and other common spaces.
- All cleaning supplies are provided by the shelter.
- The cleaning typically takes approximately 1 hour.
How can I help support the shelter?
(choose Give To Outreach on form)
What if I need a safe place to sleep?
How do I get there?
City Utilities buses run to our location from the designated gathering place. A meal is served at the gathering place before you come to the shelter. Before the meal, men will be signed-up for transportation to East Sunshine Church of Christ. Signed up guests secure their cot first.
If we have room for walk-ins after signed-up men arrive, we are located at East Sunshine Church of Christ, 3721 E. Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO, 65809
What happens next?
You will be checked in to the shelter and allowed to bring your personal items with you. There are cots in the gym provided with pillow, pillow case and blanket. The kitchen volunteers provide coffee, hot chocolate, iced water and snack bars. No food is prepared in kitchen.
Things to know
Our shelter only houses men. No ID is required to stay at the shelter. We do not have facilities to house pets. No drugs or alcohol is permitted.
Automated Shelter Line
To see if the shelter is open, you may call this number after 3:00 pm during the shelter season.