Warner Robins’ Table Church seeks warming center volunteers

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On Monday, Jan. 2, citizens and community leaders gathered at the Table Church in Warner Robins to discuss what the church’s warming center would need to function during the next two months.

Having just received several donations that resulted in the purchase of 33 bunk beds and 66 mattresses, there are still several items and services that will be necessary to assist those dealing with homelessness in the coming months — especially the help of willing volunteers.

With help potentially sitting in the pews, the meeting was opened by Director Steven Kidd, followed by Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick and Warner Robins Code Enforcement Officer Brian Wise.

“I came to [the Table Church] last year,” Wise explained. “I was out here with Ernest, the guy who lives over here with the buggies. He was lighting stumps on fire, so I pulled in here to see what was going on, I saw Pastor Carter here, and we started talking and he was talking about the warming center.”

A few short days later, Wise was talking to another local who was affected by homelessness when he asked for help with shelter. Wise called Carter, asking if they could open the warming center early.

“He called me back within the hour. He said to bring him in Saturday, that’s when they’ll start the Warming Center up,” Wise said.

This will be the Table Church’s second consecutive year hosting their neighbors in need during the coldest months of winter.

Program Coordinator Dara West spoke next, detailing to the audience what their part may look like if they choose to assist.

The easiest way to help, West said, is to help the church get the word out. By liking their Facebook page, Table Warming Center WR, and sharing their posts, those on social media can help inform others, and for others, simply talking to family and friends can have an impact.

The center will also need volunteers to cover a multitude of shifts over the next two months.

– From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the center will need one volunteer to help with an intake process, preferably of a medical background, to screen anyone who may be sick and provide them with necessary assistance and shelter.

– From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., two volunteers will be necessary to assist “neighbors” with bed assignments, distribute toiletry bags and review orientation with new neighbors,

– From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., two volunteers will be needed to heat and serve dinner, and then clean the kitchen afterward.

– From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., two volunteers, one of whom must be a man, will be needed to assist neighbors and initiate lights out.

– Two overnight shifts will follow, one from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., and another from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Either a couple or two men will be required for these shifts. During the shifts, volunteers will monitor the facility and assist neighbors as needed.

– From 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., two volunteers will be needed to prepare breakfast and lunch bags, serve breakfast, and then clean the kitchen afterward.

– From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., two volunteers will be needed to distribute lunch bags, clean the dining area, and assist neighbors as needed.

– From 9 a.m. to noon, two volunteers will be needed to assist neighbors as they leave for the day, clean the facility, help with laundry and organize supplies.

– Finally, from noon to 3 p.m., three volunteers will be needed to prep the facility for the next intake, clean, accept donations and answer and questions.

These shifts can be fulfilled by individuals, but the warming center also welcomes other religious facilities and secular organizations to volunteer to cover an entire day.

“Donations are always helpful,” West said.

Food is always welcome. Clothes will be provided by Sacred Hearts Clothing Closet, but donations can be made to them to assist with the needs of the warming center. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, additional needs will always be welcome. A needs list will be posted regularly so that donators can help provide what is needed most.

“Most importantly: pray. Pray for this effort,” West said. “Pray that this is a place of healing, of transformation — a place of grace.”

Interested parties, or those with questions, can contact West at (478) 714-4572. Those with food donations can contact Theresa Thomas at (478) 951-2948. Donations that are not clothes can be dropped off at 100 N Houston Road in Warner Robins. Clothing donations can be dropped off at 300 South Davis Drive, in Warner Robins.

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