Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Church.

Orcas Island Community Church announces the opening of the Severe Weather Shelter, providing essential support for those in need during the coldest months of the year. The shelter will operate from Nov. 15 through March 15 and will be open on nights when temperatures in Eastsound are forecasted to drop to 32 degrees or below.

The Severe Weather Shelter offers a safe, warm environment, with basic accommodations such as warm bedding and restroom access, for anyone needing refuge from dangerously cold conditions. In an effort to sustain this service, volunteers are essential to the shelter’s operations. Community members interested in helping can sign up for shifts by visiting www.orcaschurch.org and following the link to the shelter signup page.

To honor our volunteers’ commitment, OICC provides a stipend of $10 for each night signed up for in advance. On nights when the shelter is open, overnight volunteers will receive a stipend of $75.

“We believe it’s vital that no one on Orcas Island faces extreme cold without a safe option, and our volunteers are at the heart of making this possible,” said Pastor Brian Moss. “We are deeply grateful for the time and support offered by so many in our community and invite others to join us in this effort.”

To confirm whether or not the Severe Weather Shelter is open, please call the church office at 360-376-6642. For more information or to get involved, please visit orcaschurch.org.

About Orcas Island Community Church

Orcas Island Community Church is a welcoming congregation dedicated to serving the Orcas Island community. Through ministries and outreach programs like the Severe Weather Shelter, OICC seeks to meet the needs of the community with compassion, faith and a commitment to unity.