First, we want to say thank you to everyone that has helped us so far this year. We couldn’t have made it this far without you!

This was written by one of our overnight volunteers that has been faithful over the seasons. We are pleased to share her thoughts here so you can better understand a piece of our ministry.

If you’re wondering what to expect as an overnight volunteer for a Code Purple women’s shelter, I’m happy to share my typical experience.

 

Women typically arrive at the shelter at about 8:45 PM and “regulars” know the routine; they immediately prepare for “bed” on their air mattresses. There are two bathrooms available and occasionally someone will ask for a toiletry item from the nearby supply room.  A guest who is there for the first time is provided with an air mattress, linens, toiletries and other supplies (as needed) and brief instructions as to the layout and expectations. (Lights out at 10, on at 7 am, no leaving the building, & morning chores.) The guests tend to be tired, quiet, private, cooperative and appreciative.  Of course there have been a few rare exceptions, but nothing that was unmanageable! Most nights the guests sleep quietly without waking/interruptions for the volunteer.

 

In the morning the ladies prepare to leave – taking all of their belongings with them.  Some leave early to go to a job while others await transportation to the Cross Building or the ACE Center.  They have a list of simple chores (wiping down bathrooms, cleaning coffee pot, taking out trash, vacuuming (when needed) which they do willingly. The volunteer adjusts the heat, turns off lights, and departs the building by about 7:50 am. I have always helped transport women back to Seaford, which makes sense logistically, and this is often the best opportunity to converse with the women.

 

When I began to volunteer it was my hope to have regular opportunities to pray, talk, and get to know the ladies, but that has been a slow process.  I always pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading as to when to attempt communicating beyond the superficial.  There have been a few meaningful opportunities to share scripture and the gospel and pray together, but that has not been the norm.

 

Staying at the shelter, for me, is not easy, convenient, or comfortable, but it’s worth it. It is a stretching/growing experience, and God’s grace is always sufficient!  I have found there is no greater joy than being in the will of God and answering his Call to share the love, grace, and mercy of Christ (which He has lavished on me!) with others in our community.  My prayer is that what feels like a sacrifice now will bear eternal fruit for His kingdom.

We still have a HUGE need for overnight volunteers! Anyone interested in helping will be trained on the job. You may stay your first night with a seasoned volunteer if needed. Please take a look at the following information and let us know if you can fill in on any of the days needed. Even if you can only do a couple days a month, please sign up for those days online.

Milford Nazarene is still in need of female overnight volunteers for every other Friday night, some Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.                            Milford Avenue is still in need male volunteers for some Fridays and Mondays and any other blank spot on the calendar. Please fill out an online volunteer form here Volunteer Registration Form. Here is the link to sign up on the calendar. Milford Calendars.

Seaford: St. Luke’s is still in need of male overnight volunteers on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays.                                                                                                                          Bridgeville: Gateway Fellowship still needs female overnight volunteers on Fridays, every other Monday, some Wednesdays and some Thursdays. Please fill out a volunteer form here Volunteer Registration Form. Here is the link to sign up on the calendar. Seaford Area Calendars

Bethany: Stone House is still in need of lots of overnight female volunteers. We haven’t opened in that area for lack of them. Please contact us at codepurplesussexcounty@gmail.com to let us know what days that you have available so we can plug you into the schedule.

Laurel Nazarene will open January 1st and is still looking for 2 male overnight volunteers for Wednesday nights. Please fill out a volunteer form here Volunteer Registration Form. Please email us at codepurplesussexcounty@gmail.com to let us know if you can help us!

Georgetown Presbyterian operates as a partnership. We are trying to build up their volunteer base at this time. They are open regardless of volunteers but we would love to see the community get more involved. Please fill out a volunteer form here Volunteer Registration Form. Here is the link to sign up on the calendar Georgetown Calendar.

Delmar is not struggling like the other shelters but we welcome the extra help so we don’t burn out any one person. Please fill out a volunteer form here Volunteer Registration Form. Here is a link to sign up on the calendar Delmar Calendar.

Due to a shortage in overnight help, we will not be able to open the shelters in Milford tonight! They will need to go to Seaford or Bridgeville instead. We have many nights that still need coverage. Please consider helping us stay open at all of our shelters this season!

Click here for more information on volunteering! Volunteer Info

We see that the night time temps are going to be very low until Dec 15th which is the beginning of our nightly openings without regard to temps. So with that in mind, we are calling Code Purple active until March 15th as of Tuesday 12/4! We will be open every night in Seaford, Bridgeville, Laurel (starting Jan 1st), Delmar, Milford, and Georgetown. (Note: Bethany is on hold until more volunteers can be found to stay overnight.) Here is a list of shelters and who they serve. Shelter Info

Please consider helping us by staying overnight at a shelter near you. We need all hands on deck to be open the next 102 days at 8 shelters! We can not open a shelter without overnight volunteers. Check out our volunteer page that explains all the volunteer spots, our online volunteer form, and link to the calendars for signing up! Volunteer Info

Please email us at codepurplesussexcounty@gmail.com for any further questions. We are so thankful for all of the support that we receive from the community. You guys are awesome!

If you are experiencing homelessness and need shelter, please call our hotline at 302-519-0024.