Volunteers Needed For CBE And CAMBA Homeless Shelter
Congregation Beth Elohim will soon open its doors to the homeless, and they’re looking for more volunteers to assist with their CBE Respite Bed Shelter program, which takes place Sunday-Thursday evenings between May 23 – June 23.
The program — a collaboration with CAMBA — will be located at CBE’s Rotunda (274 Garfield Place at 8th Avenue).
The respite bed shelter will house 12 overnight male guests. “It’s a safe space where our guests have meals and will stay overnight in comfortable, old-fashioned beds — not cots,” says Carol Shuchman, one of the coordinators of the program.
This will be the fourth year for the shelter at CBE. The program also takes place at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue in April and May. The Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope will house the respite bed shelter during the summer.
Volunteers can sign up for a variety roles: preparing and serving dinner, bringing dessert, and sleeping overnight.
“We’re looking for more volunteers to sleep overnight at our shelter,” says Shuchman. “That’s where we still have spaces to fill.”
While many CBE congregants take part in volunteering for the program, it is not necessary for you to be a member the synagogue. “And, of course, those involved do not have to be Jewish,” adds Shuchman.
The volunteer experience can also be a family affair. Parents who take part in serving meals are encouraged to bring their children with them. “The guests are thrilled to have kids sitting with them,” says Shuchman. “Dinners include chicken, roast beef, veggies. The meals are healthy, protein-based dishes.”
Children over the age of 12 can sleepover along with their parents. “This is perfect for children who are looking for a community service opportunity, or for young people preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and want to be involved as part of their studies,” says Shuchman. “And volunteers can fill two spots by signing up with a friend.”
Previous volunteers have found the experience extremely fulfilling. “It’s hard to explain how deeply appreciative our guests are to all of those involved,” says Shuchman.
The Volunteering Rundown: CBE Respite Shelter in Partnership with CAMBA
When: May 23-June 23, Sundays-Thursdays in the evening
Where: The Rotunda at Congregation Beth Elohim (274 Garfield Place at 8th Avenue)
How To Volunteer: Sign up here to see the schedule, select a night and volunteer role. (The program is in need of volunteers to sleep overnight.)
Questions: Contact Carol Shuchman at carol.shuchman@gmail.com or 917-589-8972.