There are times when the need for shelter is greater than what our 331 N. Gilbert facilty can provide. In collaboration with the Consultation of Religious Communities, Shelter House is able to provide overflow shelter services from November through March. When our new facility is completed we will be able to meet the needs of the homeless people of Iowa City without the need for "Overflow Services." But this winter we will be counting on the generous support of volunteers who provide this additional shelter to those in need.
How does it work? Do homeless people come to the Overflow Site and ask for shelter?
No. Everyone seeking emergency shelter goes to Shelter House. They are met by Shelter House staff, who vet individuals seeking shelter, preparing a roster of those persons who are above the Shelter House capacity. The rostered people undergo background checks and breathalyzer tests before their admission to the overflow. Shelter House staff, and not overflow volunteers determine who will be admitted.
How do homeless people get from Shelter Hosue to the Overlfow Site?
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. volunteers transport the Overflow clients from Shelter House to the Overflow site.
How can I help?
Most Overflow Site volunteers sign up as members of a faith community in the Iowa City area, but if you are not affiliated with any of the religious communities in our area, but would like to volunteer, please contact Megan DeMeulenaere ,Volunteer Coordinator or CJ Cash, Coordinator of Shelter House Overflow Services.
If your religious organization is interested in participating, please contact CJ Cash, Coordinator of Shelter House Overflow Services.
Where is the new Overflow Site, and where do I park for my volunteer duties?
The former St. Pat's Parish Hall will be the Overflow Site for the remainder of the 2009/2010 winter. Although the address is 421 S. Linn Street, we will not be using this lower level entrance. We will be using the upper level and the parking lot which are accessed via Harrison Street, between Linn Street and Dubuque Street. The Overflow Site is on the upper level. You can park in any parking space not marked "permit parking." (See photos on the right >>>)
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What's different about the site, as opposed to the faith communities which have been sites in the past?
No one is going to be at this site during the day, so it will be important to keep the facility locked when no one is there. Personal possessions should also not be left in the building.
What supplies are the sponsoring groups expected to supply each week?
- Toilet Paper – 40 rolls
- Paper Towels
- Disinfectant Wipes – 2 cans per week
- Kleenex – 4 big boxes per week
- Hand Sanitizer – 2 bottles (Preferably Purrell)
- Plates – 200 per week
- 250 Plastic Knives and Forks
- 1 box coffee stirrers
- Hot Cups (For Coffee, Tea, etc.) - 250-300 per week
- Cold Cups (For water, juice, etc.) - 250-300 per week
- Liquid Hand Soap
- Paper Towels for Bathroom Dispensers
These items will be needed each week for our guests:
- Cough drops (2 bags)
- Cough syrup (3 large bottles)
- Ear plugs (about 35/week)
- Nose strips (about 50/week)
- TUMS (1 large bottle)
- Tylenol (bottle of 50/week)
- Band-aids (1 box/week, all standard size)
We'll need to have these supplies on hand, but they will not need to be replenished every week:
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Vacuum Cleaner Bags
- Brooms and Dustpans – 2
- Large Wastebaskets – 2
- Garbage Bags (for wastebaskets)
- Chairs
- Tables
- Bucket and mop
- Toilet bowl plunger
- Toilet bowl brush
- Dishwashing Soap
We will be expanding and improving this page in coming weeks.