Sunday at 8am, the Warming Shelter at the armory will close for the final time.
Under our original contract, St. Vincent’s would open a shelter for 15-25 people from November 15 to April 15 from 11pm to 7am on days when it was below 32 degrees. Last winter had an unusual number of cold days. From December 12 until March 14, 2020, the shelter was closed for only 3 days. Then COVID came.
The shelter was moved from too crowded conditions on Teal Street to the old armory where it replaced the JACC. As the city shut down, our hours expanded from 8pm to 8am and we were open every night. Over the summer numbers averaged over 55 guests a night. As fall hit, so did COVID and staff was exposed. We managed to keep the shelter open with all healthy hands on deck but it was not easy. More warming shelter workers came down with COVID or were isolated due to exposure than the rest of the staff and tenants combined.
Management cannot thank Jackie Bryant and staff enough. They performed a difficult job in the most difficult conditions and treated guests with compassion and dignity. Jackie’s leadership and dedication made this service possible. The staff that supported her performed admirably and did a very valuable service to our community.
Until July we served an average of 46 guests a night at the shelter. Through July 15, our shelter at the JACC has provided over 21,000 bed nights.
