The Merrill Area United Way officially took possession of the building at 301 W. Main St. and with the help of Habitat for Humanity will begin minor renovations and refurbish the building. In addition to seeking monetary support for this community effort, the next critical component is finding enough volunteers to operate the shelter.
United Way is pleased to announce that Barb Ziemer has been selected to lead the charge in finding volunteers. According to Dee Olsen, Executive Director of the Merrill Area United Way, “Ziemer comes to us with a great deal of enthusiasm for the task at hand. She has the computer skills, time and the drive to make this happen. Ziemer is very excited about the cause of having shelter for people who would otherwise not have a place to go.”
The official opening of the Community Warming Center is dependent on having the volunteer commitments necessary to operate the facility. Thus Ziemer’s post is very important right now. A letter has been sent to all area churches asking them to assist with the volunteer efforts. Ziemer is in the process of making personal calls on the churches. It is the Committee’s hope to open Nov. 1 and run through April 1. The facility will open at 8 p.m. and will remain open until 7:30 a.m.
There will likely be three shifts every night 7 – 11:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., and 4 -8:30 a.m. It will require two volunteers on each shift. One male and one female per shift are required. The volunteers will be asked to do assist with check –in, monitor facility, assist with beverage/snacks, and miscellaneous upkeep/cleaning and bedding laundry.
Volunteers will go through a training program in advance of serving at the Warming Center. The training programs will be held in late October (date and place to be determined yet). The training will cover operational aspect, as well as safety areas. At some point a Resource Guide will be provided for volunteers to use.
Any organization, church group, or individual may volunteer. The Community Warming Center Volunteer Coordinator, Barb Ziemer, can be reached at 715-218-0231, [email protected]. Please contact Barb if you wish to volunteer or if you have any questions or concerns. For other contact regarding the Community Warming Center, contact Dee Olsen at 715-536-2016.