Sterling Shelter Seeks Donations to Support Growing Needs

The Twin Cities Homeless Shelter in Sterling has issued a call for donations to address its increasing needs. Among the top items on its wishlist are 27-gallon storage totes, essential for maximizing limited space. According to Myles Newberry, the shelter’s director, these totes, available at Menards, are crucial for organizing nonperishable food, clothing, and linens. “We can use as many totes as possible,” Newberry emphasized, highlighting the shelter’s ongoing struggle with storage challenges.

The wishlist extends beyond storage solutions. Newberry provided a comprehensive list of much-needed items, which includes milk, ground coffee, sugar, and various toiletries such as shampoo and deodorant. The shelter also requires 13-gallon drawstring trash bags, paper towels, laundry detergent, and personal hygiene products. “You don’t ever think about how precious a toothbrush can be to someone,” Newberry remarked, underscoring the importance of even the simplest items.

Specific Needs for Shelter Guests

The shelter is particularly focused on providing sweatshirts and sweatpants in all sizes, as many guests arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. “We have people who come in and they don’t have anything except what they have on,” said Newberry. The shelter aims to offer comfortable clothing options, which are easy to launder and help guests feel at ease.

Another pressing requirement is milk, with the shelter averaging about 10 to 15 gallons consumed each week. Newberry envisions a “milk club,” where donors could contribute 2 to 3 gallons of milk on designated days each week. This initiative could significantly alleviate the shelter’s ongoing need for this essential item.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Shelter

As the demand for services grows, so does the need for volunteers. Newberry noted a decline in volunteer numbers over recent years, creating a gap in support, particularly during the 18:00 to 23:00 shift. Volunteers help serve meals, which are often donated by local restaurants and community groups, and perform light housekeeping duties.

“We are really in need of volunteers to help out with that particular shift,” Newberry stated, emphasizing the vital role volunteers play in the operation of the shelter.

With the ongoing challenges faced by the Twin Cities Homeless Shelter, community support through donations and volunteer efforts remains crucial. The shelter continues to strive to meet the needs of its guests amid increasing numbers. As the third part of this series is set to publish on January 13, 2024, it will provide further insights into the shelter’s initiatives and community impact.