Carson City’s Night off the Streets reports increase in needs for shelter; seeks volunteers, donations as houseless guests increase

Carson City’s Night off the Streets (NOTS) has been taking on the important work of offering nightly shelter for those who have none during the cold winter months. Each year, that need increases within Carson City, and so far, there have been zero deaths from being forced to sleep outside in the community since NOTS took on this role.

However, due to COVID restrictions as well as a lack of a single, consistent shelter location, that may not always be the case.

“Because we do not have a permanent location, we have to change shelter locations each month,” said NOTS. “Some locations are smaller than others, and we're unsure what this will mean for future months when the weather is colder and our space smaller. As a friendly reminder, not one person on the streets has died from exposure since we've been open. If we have to turn folks away this year, this may change.”

This year, the churches that are hosting NOTS are St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and St. Paul's Lutheran Family.

“We are very grateful this season; each church has been able to commit to a full month of hosting the shelter,” said NOTS.

So far this year, NOTS is averaging about 25 guests per night, and there are more women then they typically see on average, according to NOTS.

“We also have had about a 23 percent increase in the number of guests from the same time last year,” said NOTS. “We have seen a consistent growth in our population each year we've been open. While we have yet to turn anyone away, it's important to keep in mind that we're operating at 50 percent capacity due to COVID restrictions.”

There are 199 active volunteers within the NOTS program, who serve in pairs as the shelter operates overnight. Two volunteers work per shift with 6 total volunteers per nights according to NOTS.

“We are always in desperate need of folks who are willing to step in and support those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said NOTS. “Staffing the shelter is always a unique challenge, as our shelter operates overnight and volunteers always serve in pairs.”

NOTS is always in need of donations, but knowing exactly what is needed is difficult as their changes change constantly, along with their guests.

Consistent items NOTS says they can always use are hand warmers, socks (new preferred), warm beanies (no ski masks please!), scarves, and decaf coffee (decaf tea as well if possible).

“However, if our community is comfortable doing so, check or cash donations are always preferred,” said NOTS. “We often have guests come in without basic needs items (coats, clothes, shoes, etc.), and getting specific sizes can be important.”

NOTS is also are able to purchase sleeping bags, gloves, tarps and other items at discounted prices thanks to their partnerships with vendors in the community. Cash and/or check donations can be made out to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, NOTS account. 

Some have asked why the churches have been taking on the Night of the Streets project for years instead of the city. At this time, the city still has no plans to open a shelter.

NOTS currently runs on donations alone, of both the time of its volunteers as well as through monetary donations, but this year they applied for the 501(c)3 status to become an official non-profit, which will open the way to be able to receive grant funding as well.

NOTS also recently formed a “volunteer steering committee” with various subcommittees to address the needs within the community, volunteers, and shelter.

“We're actively looking to seek better ways to serve our community,” said NOTS. “Notably, we are learning how NOTS can become a more fixed partner to Carson City.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the NOTS Warming Shelter can either contact NOTS at notscarson@gmail.com or call and/or text them at 775-600-2632.