Community invited to fundraiser for Carson City's warming shelter program Night Off the Streets
Night Off the Streets invites the community to its 2nd annual Summer Party on Saturday, Sept. 7, on the lawn of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The summer party will raise funds to support NOTS’ warming center operations during the upcoming winter.
Admission is free. Food, beverages, and raffle tickets will be for sale. Every dollar raised at the party will be used to directly support the NOTS center operations. The event is from 1 to 6 p.m. St. Peter’s church is located at 314 N. Division St., in Carson City.
“Night Off the Streets would not exist without the community’s support,” says Jodi Miller, NOTS manager. More than 100 people volunteer during the nights at the shelter each Winter season. People also donate food and clothing as well as their money.
“Every penny raised helps us get closer to our goal of opening a year-round center for our unhoused neighbors,” says Miller.
The NOTS warming center was founded seven years ago after four homeless people died of hypothermia while sleeping outdoors. Since opening the center, no one has died from exposure to the cold in Carson City, according to Craig LaGier, founder of NOTS.
This past winter, an average of 32 people spent the night at the NOTS warming center. The center is hosted by a different Carson City church every month from November 1 through March 31.
In addition to providing a warm, safe place to sleep, NOTS also connects guests with services that will help them get off the street. Last winter, 12 guests found employment and 8 guests found permanent housing. Fourteen guests were connected with Veteran’s Administration services in Reno.
For those who are unable to attend the Summer Party but would like to contribute, contact www.notscarson.org, or call 775-600-2215.