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Fairhaven Baptist opens as 24-hour warming center; volunteers and agencies continue outreach
Summary
County officials and volunteers reported ongoing outreach to people experiencing homelessness during cold weather; Fairhaven Baptist Church opened as a 24-hour warming center and county staff will share contact information and transportation help.
County officials and volunteer coordinators reported continued work to shelter people experiencing homelessness during a period of very cold weather, including a local church opening as a temporary 24-hour warming center.
A commissioner asked for a short update on the homeless task force. A commissioner said the original task force had sunset in summer but a community group continues outreach, naming individuals involved: Kay Bartley, Toby Snead, Leticia Diaz and Jeff Rasnick.
One commissioner praised the volunteer effort: “These guys are the ones that are doing the leg work… they're doing some just phenomenal work,” the commissioner said, adding, “really in all reality, it's God's work that's out there to take care of these individuals.”
Mark Thomas, who relayed information from Fairhaven Baptist Church, said the church began operating as a shelter, opening 24 hours for cold-weather housing. Thomas said the church had opened the night before and would remain open while temperatures remained low; the county’s communications channel has a telephone number for people to call for help. He also said transportation coordination has been occurring, with Toby Snead involved in moving people to and from shelters.
Officials said availability may change day to day and asked residents who want to volunteer to contact the task-force coordinators; a commissioner offered to connect prospective volunteers with Kay Bartley and the other local organizers. No formal county action or new funding for the shelter was recorded during the discussion.
The update concluded with thanks to volunteers and a request that staff distribute shelter information via county social media and the newspaper so residents can find help or offer assistance.
