Women's Shelter

For more than ten years, most nights of the week, Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle has provided a warm, safe shelter; sleeping mats; and snacks for homeless women from our community. Many of the approximately 35 volunteers return year-after-year to sleep at the shelter at least one night each month, and support the Temple’s commitment to helping the less fortunate. Women Shelter guests are selected nightly by staff from our partner, Noel House, and Temple works closely with Noel House to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Volunteers are the central nervous system of Temple's Women’s Shelter and are critical to its success. They participate in varying degrees, often partnering with a friend or spouse. All involved commonly express how impactful their time with the shelter is to them.

Deborah Ashin volunteers with her husband Dan Sadler, and they are beginning their second year. She shared her experience for anyone considering joining the team: “It is likely to be one of the easiest and most meaningful things you do. I usually volunteer on Fridays, and when I arrive to set up I can hear music from the Shabbat service upstairs. It reinforces the value of this program and what it means when the ladies say that they appreciate coming to the “Temple shelter.”

Jaren Brown is beginning his third year as a volunteer. “I love that I am making a real difference in people’s lives. By giving just a little bit of my time each month, I give a reliable, stable, warm and safe place to sleep for people who don’t have much they can count on in life and who are going through a very difficult time.” On his own initiative, Jared also introduced a job training program to the guests last spring.

The Shelter operates from September through July. New volunteers are always welcomed. This opportunity is open to men or women. All participants receive ample training.

Interested learning more about the shelter or volunteering?
Please contact Kim Fuqua Alben at kimfuqua@gmail.com.