Severe weather shelters in Kingston and Silverdale need volunteers to open this winter.

The shelters are open from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. when Kitsap County’s Department of Emergency Management’s weather prediction includes freezing temperatures, an inch of rain, or an inch of snow within a 24-hour period.

The Kingston shelter is located at the Village Green Community Center and Silverdale’s is housed at the Community Church. The Silverdale shelter has the highest occupancy of Kitsap’s locations. Those interested in volunteering at the Silverdale shelter are invited to an orientation Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the church.

For questions about the orientation, contact Maggie or Amie at 218-585-9101 or SWShelterSilverdale@gmail.com.

With the closure of the Poulsbo shelter, the Kingston shelter will serve all of North Kitsap. A large pool of volunteers is necessary since shortages often occur due to illness and inability to get to the shelter because of weather-related road conditions. Kingston-specific training has been scheduled for Oct. 14, and Nov. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Village Green.

For details go to kingstoncares.org. To volunteer, send an email to ruthkcac@gmail.com

Shelter guests are provided with a safe and warm place to stay that includes a cot, bedding, shower facility and warm beverages. Socks, gloves, toiletries and gift cards to local eateries are often available, as provided by the community through donations. Volunteers work shifts of approximately five hours in pairs, and at least six a night are required.

New volunteers are paired with experienced workers. All volunteers must pass a background check.

“Volunteers report enjoying making friends at the shelter… and taking advantage of the quiet early morning hours to catch up on computer work and reading, play cards or Scrabble,” the release concludes.