Each church opened their doors for one week, providing beds, dinner, breakfast, bagged lunches and snacks. Volunteers spent time with WATTS guests socializing, playing games, doing puzzles, or watching movies. That first season of WATTS proved a great success and it has continued every year since.
WATTS is a low-barrier shelter, meaning it will accept any adult who is experiencing homelessness, regardless of sobriety or criminal background. For this reason, WATTS is for adults only. Anyone entering the shelter must be at least 18 years old, including all volunteers. WATTS guests agree to abide by a certain set of rules and trained WATTS managers are always on site to run the shelters, maintain safety and handle any issues that may arise. Shelters are operated from November to March from 7p.m. to 7a.m. WATTS owns a bus to transport guests each night to the host location and return them in the morning.
Today, WATTS stands for Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter. This reflects its growth and expanded services to the area’s homeless population. They have Seasonal Heating and Cooling Centers with drinks, snacks, restrooms, and a shower. WATTS employs year-round specialists to help guests transition out of homelessness. These services include assistance obtaining copies of birth certificates, job applications, housing searches, applying for healthcare benefits as well as drug and detox rehabilitation programs.
Burnt Factory Church has hosted a WATTS week for many years. In addition to the material donations, BFC helped by making and serving meals, socializing, and staying overnight during our volunteer week. This year our WATTS week is November 29th to December 6th.
WATTS Sign-Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B4AA4AE2FABFB6-53059686-burnt#/
Also check out other Entertainment events in Stephenson, Nonprofit events in Stephenson.
