I continue to help United Way of Hampshire County raise awareness about the work it does in funding 34 programs that deliver 21,687 acts of service per year to people in need in Hampshire County in Massachusetts. Over 250 volunteers give over 5,000 hours of their time. Recently, I wrote the following blog for United Way to help it recruit volunteers to staff a shelter in Northampton, Massachusetts. 

United Way of Hampshire County is eagerly seeking volunteers to assist with various tasks related to running a newly opened shelter for the homeless in downtown Northampton. Leaders ask that you bring your heart and hands—and if you are inspired, also your creativity.

This, because you may be doing everything from setting up cots to serving coffee and imagining activities that shelter guests can take part in.

Last year, United Way helped the city of Northampton to find dozens of people to help set up and also operate a shelter at Northampton High School, which was closed at the time. This year, the shelter is at First Churches of Northampton. 

Operated by ServiceNet and supported by the city of Northampton, this year’s location opened on Dec. 4, 2020. The need for volunteers is great again this year. As Loren Davine, of Easthampton, volunteer coordinator, explains it, the pandemic is pulling longtime volunteers in many directions, and many older adults who normally volunteer cannot do so because they are at-risk.

Last year, United Way recruited 86 volunteers, two of whom worked every shift, for six to eight hours, for two months in the winter.

Loren said that early on last year, volunteers helped organize and distribute supplies that were donated. They put up signage relative to COVID-19 protocols and distributed meals that were donated by the Hampshire County House of Corrections, Smith College, and some local businesses. 

One volunteer wanted to do more than serve coffee in the hallway. And this is where creativity comes in, as The Kind Cafe was born. She created a designated coffeehouse in the cafeteria and served up hot cocoa, mochas, and pastries to guests.

“After a few weeks, our volunteers started connecting with the guests,” Loren says, noting the shelter was at capacity last year with 55 guests on any given day. “What started as a coffee cart became a whole café downstairs. It felt like you were in a coffee shop.”

“The volunteers offered something special, instead of basic survival. They were really able to humanize the experience and connect with people and address the need.”

Over the winter, the compassion—and the inventiveness—grew. As guests began to feel cooped up, volunteers responded by creating activities and events—such as a poetry slam, movie nights, and special, hot Sunday breakfasts.

“They made pancakes, waffles, eggs,” Loren says. “One volunteer offered a craft night. She brought in supplies and facilitated a project. Many of them didn’t just work their shift. They got involved.” 

United Way is proud that its efforts produced such innovation and compassion. In addition to finding volunteers, the assist in the spring and earlier this winter included sourcing donated clothing, water stations, water bottles, face masks, and chairs. The agency has also worked with the town of Amherst and Craig’s Doors to identify and secure University Motor Lodge as additional housing for those experiencing homelessness. 

The work of United Way is always important. It is often pressing. And it is so rewarding. Get involved—for your own sake!

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Pandemic pulls longtime volunteers elsewhere, so need is great

NORTHAMPTON—United Way of Hampshire County is eagerly seeking volunteers to assist with various tasks related to running a newly opened shelter for the homeless in downtown Northampton. 

Operated by ServiceNet and supported by the city of Northampton, the shelter is at First Churches of Northampton. It opened on Dec. 4, and the need for volunteers is great as the pandemic is pulling longtime volunteers in other directions. Volunteers will do everything from setting up cots to serving coffee and imagining activities that shelter guests can take part in.

“We were very successful in helping to find shelter volunteers last year,” said John Bidwell, executive director of United Way of Hampshire County. “We hope area residents will partner with us again this year and sign up to help.”

To volunteer, visit http://www.northamptonma.gov/FormCenter/Health-Department-18/Volunteer-Submission-Form-for-Emergency–135.

Last year, United Way helped the city of Northampton to find dozens of people to help set up and also operate a shelter at Northampton High School, which was closed at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loren Davine, of Easthampton, volunteer coordinator, explained that the pandemic is pulling longtime volunteers in many directions, and many older adults who normally volunteer cannot do so because they are at-risk.

Last year, United Way recruited 86 volunteers, two of whom worked every shift, for six to eight hours, for two months in the winter.

Davine said that early on last year, volunteers helped to organize and distribute supplies that were donated. They put up signage relative to COVID-19 protocols and distributed meals that were donated by the Hampshire County House of Corrections, Smith College, and some local businesses. 

“One volunteer wanted to do more than serve coffee in the hallway,” she said. And this is where creativity came in, as The Kind Cafe was born. “She created a designated coffeehouse in the cafeteria and served up hot cocoa, mochas, and pastries to guests.

“After a few weeks, our volunteers started connecting with the guests,” Davine added, noting the shelter was at capacity last year with 55 guests on any given day. “What started as a coffee cart became a whole café downstairs. It felt like you were in a coffee shop.”

Over the winter, volunteers’ compassion and inventiveness grew, Davine said. As guests began to feel cooped up, volunteers responded by creating activities and events—such as a poetry slam, movie nights, and special, hot Sunday breakfasts.

“They made pancakes, waffles, eggs,” Davine said. “One volunteer offered a craft night. She brought in supplies and facilitated a project. Many of them didn’t just work their shift. They got involved.” 

Bidwell said, “We are proud that our efforts produced such innovation and compassion for the shelter residents.” 

In addition to finding volunteers, Bidwell noted that the assist in the spring and now has included sourcing donated clothing, water stations, water bottles, face masks, and chairs. 

“We’ve also worked with the town of Amherst and Craig’s Doors to identify and secure University Motor Lodge as additional housing for those experiencing homelessness,” he said. “We helped work out the logistics, meeting coordination, and communications.”

For more information, contact Loren at lorendavine@gmail.com.

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Donations of clean clothing, outerwear, blankets and sleeping bags, and other winter-warming merchandise are sought

NORTHAMPTON—United Way of Hampshire County and Cooley Dickinson Hospital (CDH) are collaborating to assist area shelters in stocking up on much-needed items for winter as the weather turns cold and snow has fallen.

John Bidwell, executive director of United Way, and Joanne Marqusee, president and CEO of CDH, both stressed the greater needs faced by those who are homeless at this time when COVID-19 remains a threat. 

They stressed that the donations are not luxury items yet materials needed to protect peoples’ health and safety.

Items should be new or gently used and clean, and delivered in a plastic or paper bag. The organizations specifically seek donations of:

• Jeans
• Warm shirts
• Outerwear such as coats, jackets, and parkas 
• Foot and hand warmers
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Socks
• Hats
• Quarters for drying cloths at a laundromat
• Large trash bags for use within the shelter

Items can be placed in a designated container at CDH’s North Entrance.

“With winter and ongoing economic challenges, we are very concerned with a rise in homelessness,” said Bidwell. “Because the cold is coming on quickly, and the region doesn’t seem to have enough shelter, it is important that we get basic supplies to those who are homeless. It goes beyond human decency. Making these gifts could be a matter of life and death.”

He added, “We are proud to work with CDH on collecting these donations.”

Marqusee said, “We know our health is—in part—determined by social and economic opportunities. This time of year presents many hazards for people who are less fortunate, specifically those who are homeless in our community. Factor in the COVID-19 pandemic—and decreased capacity at area shelters—and we realize just how vulnerable people are.”

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