The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal are looking for additional overnight volunteers to staff their Code Blue shelter in Atlantic City.
Applicants can expect to find appreciative guests, faith-centered fellow volunteers … and a liberal dose of the Holy Spirit.
“We knew it was a grace from the beginning,” said CFR Sister Joseph Van Munster about the Saint Joseph Winter Shelter at Quaremba Hall, a 32-cot haven for the homeless located in Quaremba Hall, behind Saint Michael Church, part of the Parish of Saint Monica.
The Code Blue shelter was instituted during the winter of 2021 and operates for 13 weeks, Monday through Thursday, from December to March, when temperatures tumble to below freezing.
“We are familiar working with the poor of the area, and the Holy Spirit gives us a hand,” Sister Joseph said.
Operating the Saint Joseph Shelter takes many willing hands around the clock; the sisters and volunteers are busy setting up cots, cooking and serving dinner, and engaging the guests in prayer. In contrast to this period of interaction, the 13-hour overnight shift is much quieter, beginning with lights out at 8 p.m. until guests are roused for breakfast at 7 a.m. the next day.
“These volunteers make the biggest sacrifice to make our ministry possible,” Sister Joseph said, adding that there is a profound peace found in the overnight mission. “I find it a beautiful experience. Once the lights go out, the homeless actually sleep. I have experienced Jesus’ presence in that room.”
While the guests slumber, volunteers are present and keep an eye open to meet any needs, “but we sleep with a phone by our beds and are available,” Sister Joseph said. “There have been no problems.”
She has found volunteers of all ages to serve for the night shift. “There are no skills required, just the ability to stay awake all night. As long as you are over 21 and pass a background check. You could be a young adult, married couple or recently retired.”
More Photos: Code Blue Shelter
The sisters are looking to create a larger database of volunteers willing to work the overnight shift to ease the pressure of those already serving; most serve once a month or every other week. “It is one of the most beautiful things, to bring people together to serve the poor,” Sister Joseph said. “We provide the opportunity to do so.”
Cindy Kapiloff has been a member of the shelter’s overnight shift since 2022. A member of Saint Mary Parish, Barnegat, she travels south to Atlantic City to volunteer each week. The schedule and duties fit her capabilities, she shared.
“Every Wednesday, I come in at 8 p.m., and all the heavy lifting is done,” Kapiloff said. “Ninety percent of the guests are in their cots sleeping.”
As for the thought of a female working through the night, she said, “We are not a bunch of bouncers; there is a sense of security.”
As the night progresses, recounted Kapiloff, the volunteers limit the guests to one at a time in the public restroom to allow them privacy, dignity and the time to wash themselves and change clothing.
“There is a sense of community,” she said, “and the guests all trust one another.
“It is a very peaceful environment,” she concluded. “By the grace of God, I opened my heart and let Him in. He is working through me. It is a beautiful ministry.”
This is the first season of volunteering at the shelter for Dom Acciani, a member of Saint Damien Parish, Ocean City, and member of its Knights of Columbus council. He, too, averages weekly service at the shelter and finds the work rewarding.
“It’s quiet overnight. They might play chess or a board game, and some guests take smoke breaks and we will accompany them and get a chance to talk,” Acciani said. “Most guests are very appreciative we are there, and a good portion say, ‘Thank you, we know you could be other places.’”
To apply for the overnight shift at Saint Joseph Shelter, or for any questions, contact Sister Joseph Van Munster at the convent at 609-343-1545 or visit tinyurl.com/8ftj5n55.
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