WHO News
Season Launch:
The First Two Weeks
A major improvement this year: WHO@SALC now has dedicated laundry facilities! We have been hoping and planning for this for a long time. Having a laundry on-site makes it much easier to keep a supply of clean sheets and bedding. Thanks to Mike Strauch, Laundry Manager, and all the other laundry volunteers over the years who hauled bags of laundry - dirty and clean - back and forth from various locations back to St Andrew. And thanks to our donors for their support in getting us over the funding hump for this project.
We are open for guests all day on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Volunteers help during the day, while guests can relax and sleep in if they wish. If you are interested in helping with these days, head to our website and see the sign-up opportunities.
We are so grateful to our community of volunteers and donors who keep us open and serve our most vulnerable neighbors during the cold winter months. You are a continuous blessing to WHO at St Andrew and our guests.
Jane Seidel
[she/her]
WHO @SALC Operations Manager
The 23rd season of WHO at St Andrew has begun. We are at full capacity of 30 and have been since opening night, November 1. We have a diverse community, currently including
12 children, all school-age. Each morning, two school buses arrive to pick them up and take them to school.
Our volunteer response has been remarkable. When Share received significantly reduced funding this year—less than half their typical allocation—they were unable to staff overnight shifts as in previous seasons. Our volunteers have stepped up magnificently, returning to the pre-pandemic model of community-powered overnight coverage. We simply could not operate without them.
Real Impact,
Real Lives Changed
Join our community of volunteers serving neighbors experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, WA. The Winter Hospitality Overflow brings together interfaith teams from across Clark County to provide meals, overnight support, and compassionate care at our emergency shelter.
Pictured right: volunteers Elana, John, and Roberta were ready to welcome guests with a warm meal during the opening week of season 23.
By the Numbers: November 1-15
Shelter Capacity & Guests
30 guests welcomed each night.
12 children, ages 6 weeks to 15 years old.
140 bus tickets helped 14 adults get to and from work.
Progress Toward Stability
4 single women moved to the WHAT program for year-round support and greater stability on their path to permanent housing.
Volunteer Support
509.5 volunteer hours contributed!
213 volunteer shifts filled
Serving Our Community
2 veterans
1 member of the deaf community
Families, single women, and mothers with children.
“Thank you so much for recommending me for the WHAT [women’s shelter].Thank you for allowing me to stay with you guys. It was nice to feel welcome, good company, wonderful food, and you guys are awesome! I’m thankful for people like you guys; this is definitely what you were called to do. Again, thank you, and take care. ”
Clark County Works Miracles
When I first moved to Vancouver in 2019, I was told this community could work miracles; when a need arises, the people of Clark County find a way. I have seen this in many ways during my time here, and the WHO at St. Andrew is already seeing it in our first six weeks of fundraising for this 23rd season.
With the loss of grant funding, we have had to call upon individuals, families, churches, organizations, and businesses to help fill the gap. So far, we have raised $59,000 from YOU! Amazing! We will continue to seek additional grants in the years to come, but we are so incredibly grateful for and humbled by your support in keeping the WHO at St. Andrew open in 2025 and beyond.
Our shelter is a stepping stone for many unhoused in our community, offering a warm, dry, safe place for women and their families. In past seasons, WHO has welcomed up to 50 guests each night. This year, we've had to cap capacity at 30 guests due to staffing budget constraints. With full funding, we can return to serving 50 guests nightly.
To increase our staffing and open more beds, we need to raise an additional $81,000. If you have already given, thank you! Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors—any amount helps. The more people who know and care, the greater our impact will be in ending houselessness in Clark County.
With gratitude,
Pastor Cindy Bauldree
Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church | Executive Director, WHO@SALC
Help Us Reach 50 Guests
Your generosity keeps the lights on, meals served, case managers present, and doors open. Just $32.28 provides one night of shelter and case management for a guest in need.
Volunteer Spotlight!
Meet the duo behind the scenes at WHO. Forrest and Linda Jo share the role of Volunteer Manager, alternating weeks so there's always someone greeting volunteers, coordinating shifts, and problem-solving when challenges arise. They interact with nearly every volunteer who walks through our doors, making sure each team has what they need to serve our guests well. As vital members of our operations team, their partnership and commitment make everything else at WHO@SALC possible.
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Pictured on the left.
How long have you been volunteering at the WHO @SALC? I started years ago when we were doing the overnight shifts and working out of the little kitchen in the back. Then, for some reason, I'm not sure why, I didn't volunteer for several years. I started up again about 4 years ago and have enjoyed it tremendously.
What drew you to volunteer here? Just the opportunity to serve those whose life circumstances have placed them in a homeless situation. It doesn't take much these days, and I'm thankful WHO allows me the opportunity to play a small part in helping those in need.
Share a memorable moment or favorite experience from your time volunteering: There was a family here a couple of years ago with about 10 people, and the kids ranged in age from teenagers to toddlers. With Christmas approaching, I asked if they would be here on Christmas Day. They said they would be gone, so I didn't plan anything for the kids. Well, I showed up Christmas morning, and they were here. Praise the Lord, a big family was volunteering that morning that had brought little gift bags full of trinkets and candies. Watching those kids' excitement and joy as they received and opened those gift bags was so heartwarming; it brought tears to my eyes. It was beautiful to behold and made my Christmas.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering? What you receive is much more than you're asked to give.
Fun fact about you? I coach youth basketball with my son and volunteer at my local church and at Walnut Grove Elementary. When it's nice, I like to golf, and when it's raining, I'm inside playing pickleball.
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Pictured on the right.
How long have you been volunteering at the WHO @SALC? I don't remember. I volunteered some in 2013, but then quit when I opened a homeless shelter. I returned after I retired, and have been volunteering the past 3 years, the past year as one of the Volunteer Managers.
What drew you to volunteer here? I believe strongly that we need to be in relationship with people on the margins, not just talk about them or give money and think that's enough. These are our brothers and sisters, and we need to stand together in our common humanity, giving and receiving the gift of self to each other and growing together. We can't do that unless we spend time together, WHO @SALC allows me to do that.
Share a memorable moment or favorite experience from your time volunteering: Last year, there was a delightful lady who chatted with me every time I came. She had a great desire to give back to others and was great at organizing and replenishing the tea supply so everyone there could enjoy a good cup of their favorite tea. Hanging out with her was the highlight of my day. I rejoiced with her when she found a place, but missed her a lot when she was gone. Another woman had a very active child. She was so dedicated to being attentive to him in a positive way, despite the great energy it took her to support him with love and care for her other children. Just watching her and occasionally having a short conversation where I could both sympathize and compliment her helped me feel like I was doing some small part in making her life easier. I could never have done the amazing job she was doing. Both allowed me to be part of their lives for a time, which was a huge gift.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering? It is so easy to think of our unsheltered neighbors as "other" and to feel some fear about spending time with them because of the unknowns and stereotypes we all hear. It is when you come and see that you get to witness the hard work of these mothers and fathers in caring for their children, going to work, being kind to each other, and doing their best to navigate challenges that you experience the gift of volunteering.
Fun fact about you? I like to sew clothes and quilts for my grandchildren and end up mending for my daughters and friends. I also walk about an hour every day and enjoy God's creation.
Get Involved
December at WHO: A Season of Both Blessing and Need
December is a season of giving, and WHO feels that generously, donations flow in as our community shows up for our neighbors. But December also brings a challenge: while material support increases, volunteer shifts become harder to fill as families focus on holiday commitments.
This year, with funding shortages limiting our paid staff, we need volunteers more than ever. We have many opportunities throughout the month—from preparing meals to providing overnight support. Whether you can serve once or multiple times, your presence makes a difference.
Families are especially welcome. Serving together at the shelter offers a meaningful way to experience generosity during a busy season. No experience necessary—just a willing heart and a few hours of your time. Sign up today and be part of our community of care.
Pictured above: Michael and Jenny preparing lunch during the evening shift.
Contact us.
Be the first to know about volunteer opportunities during the WHO season (Nov 1 - Mar 31). Get weekly emails on Sundays with volunteer spots and urgent needs, plus monthly newsletters with shelter stories, volunteer spotlights, and fundraising updates.
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Winter Hospitality Overflow
c/o St. Andrew Lutheran Church
5607 NE Gher Road
Vancouver, WA 98662 -
Jane Seidel, WHO Operations Coordinator
📞 (360) 607-4339 -
Linda Jo Devlaeminck and Forrest Gragg, Volunteer Coordinators
who@salcvan.org
(360) 780-6644
WHO is a community program of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Federal Tax ID: 91-1034819
The Winter Hospitality Overflow at St. Andrew provides safe shelter, compassionate hospitality, and pathways to stability for neighbors in need during the coldest months of the year. Rooted in interfaith collaboration, we put love into action through volunteers, community partnerships, and professional housing support so that every guest experiences dignity, warmth, and hope.