Operation Overflow shelter needs volunteers

Operation Overflow is looking for volunteers, especially women, to sleep overnight, from 8:45 p.m. to 6 a.m., in a Torrington church basement “so that no one has to sleep outside in the winter,” according to a press release. The new season begins Nov. 23.

Since 2003, Operation Overflow has served homeless adults during the winter months, providing a warm and safe overnight shelter. Partnering with other community organizations, the shelter volunteers guide those in need to more permanent services.

When FISH, the local shelter, is full, Operation Overflow provides shelter in one of three local churches: Trinity Episcopal Church, Northwest Hills Community Church, and First United Methodist Church. Volunteers do not need to belong to a church to help.

“During the last season, 1,217 beds were occupied at Operation Overflow from December through March. On average, we provided a warm bed to 10 homeless guests each night from 16 different towns in Connecticut as well as six other states,” volunteers said in a statement. “Referrals come through 211, police departments, hospitals and many other agencies at all times of the day and night.

“Operation Overflow is an organization run strictly by volunteers, relying only on monetary gifts and in-kind donations from community members, organizations and churches. We always have two overnight volunteers — one male and one female — to supervise up to 12 guests. If we have more than 12 guests, we get a third volunteer and can then take a maximum of 18 guests. A coordinator is on-call all night in case there is an emergency or a need for additional support,” the statement continues.

A one-hour orientation will be offered at Trinity Church, 220 Prospect St., Torrington, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m., and again on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. New volunteers only need to attend one orientation.

Monetary donations, for cots, bedding, coffee, snacks, socks, underwear and toiletries are also needed. For details, contact Conrad Sienkiewicz at conradsank@gmail.com.