Yakima, WASH.--It's getting colder, and volunteers are needed to help run the extreme winter weather shelters in Yakima County.
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, the shelters open up and give the homeless a warm place to stay.
Sunrise Outreach Center runs three winter shelters, one for men, one for women and one for families.
Executive Director, David Hanson, said they rely heavily on volunteers and are now offering winter training.
Classes will begin in Yakima Tuesday night at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church.
You can also take classes in Sunnyside starting Wednesday night at the Oasis Church.
Hanson said training includes lessons on how to react to a conflict and other basic safety tips.
"They really struggle with a lot of their reality so we want to make sure that we're training our volunteer staff to be able to receive them in an appropriate way," said Hanson.
The three shelters took care of over 70 homeless people last winter, and Hanson said he expects to see those same numbers this year.
The shelters are also in need of blankets, socks and winter clothing like coats, hats, scarves and gloves.
