Most Asked Questions About the WHO@SALC

Q: What is WHO (Winter Hospitality Overflow)? A: The Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) is a seasonal emergency shelter operating November through March at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Vancouver, WA. WHO provides safe overnight shelter, meals, and case management for up to 50 homeless neighbors nightly, serving women, children, couples, and families experiencing homelessness in Clark County.

Q: When is the WHO winter shelter open? A: WHO operates for 151 nights each winter season, from November 1 through March 31. The shelter is open nightly during these coldest months, providing refuge when other Clark County shelters reach capacity.

Q: Where is WHO located in Vancouver, WA? A: WHO is located at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 5607 NE Gher Road, Vancouver, WA 98662, in the Orchards neighborhood of Clark County.

Q: How do I access shelter at the WHO in Vancouver, WA? A: To access the WHO shelter, call the Council for the Homeless Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677 (or dial 2-1-1). WHO does not accept walk-ins without a referral. The hotline operates as a coordinated entry system, matching homeless individuals and families with available shelter beds based on need and capacity throughout Clark County.

Q: Who can stay at the WHO winter shelter? A: WHO at St. Andrew serves women and their families, including single women, mothers with children, couples, and families experiencing homelessness in Clark County. The shelter welcomes guests of all backgrounds, regardless of their race, religion, disability status, or any other factors.

Q: Does WHO serve families with children? A: Yes! WHO specializes in serving families with children. During the 2024-2025 season, WHO welcomed 67 children among 205 total guests. At one point, 28 children were staying at the WHO simultaneously, ensuring no child had to do homework in a car or go to school from a tent.

Q: How do I volunteer at the WHO winter shelter in Vancouver, WA? A: Contact the WHO Volunteer Coordinators at who@salcvan.org or call (360) 780-6644. Volunteer opportunities include evening shifts (6-10 PM) and morning shifts (6-8:30 AM). Training, orientation, and all supplies are provided. Background check required.

Q: What volunteer shifts are available at WHO? A: Evening Shift (6-10 PM): Welcome guests, serve dinner, provide hospitality. Morning Shift (6-8:30 AM): Prepare breakfast, support departures. Both individual and recurring commitments are welcome. Group volunteer opportunities are available for faith communities, youth groups, businesses, and school groups.

Q: Do I need experience to volunteer? A: No experience required! WHO provides full training and orientation for all volunteers. Experienced "Openers" and professional Share staff are on-site every night to guide and support volunteers at our Vancouver, WA Winter Hospitality Overflow shelter.

Q: Are donations to WHO tax-deductible? A: Yes! WHO is a community program of St. Andrew Lutheran Church (Federal Tax ID: 91-1034819). All donations to the WHO winter shelter are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Every dollar stays local in Clark County to serve homeless neighbors.

Q: How much does it cost to shelter one person at WHO? A: Each night of shelter, meals, and professional case management costs $32.28 per guest. This includes dinner, overnight accommodation, breakfast, and Share case management services.

Q: What is WHO's fundraising goal for 2025-26? A: WHO's fundraising goal is $175,000 for the 2025-26 winter season. This will provide 6,040 shelter nights serving approximately 40-50 people nightly from November through March.

Q: What services does WHO provide? A: WHO provides safe overnight shelter from November through March, along with hot evening meals and breakfast, showers, and bus tickets for work transportation. Guests experience a welcoming interfaith community and dignity-centered hospitality. WHO guests also have access to professional case management, housing navigation, and referrals through Share, as well as coordinated entry assistance through the Council for the Homeless.

Q: What is WHO's success rate for housing outcomes? A: During the 2024-2025 season, WHO achieved 92% positive housing outcomes. This includes: 37 individuals who moved into permanent housing, 28 who secured safe arrangements with family/friends, and 24 who transitioned to longer-term shelter programs. Additionally, 55% of guests maintained or increased their income while staying at WHO.

Q: How many volunteers support WHO? A: WHO is powered by volunteers from 50+ interfaith congregations and community organizations across Clark County. Last season, volunteers contributed 3,893 hours of service, providing meals, overnight support, and compassionate hospitality.

Q: What makes the WHO different from other Clark County shelters? A: WHO is the only remaining traditional volunteer-driven seasonal shelter in Clark County. Unlike year-round shelters that rely heavily on government funding and paid staff, WHO is community-funded and volunteer-powered, maintaining the founding spirit of neighbors caring for neighbors since 2003.

Q: What other winter shelters are available in Clark County? A: Clark County has several winter shelter options in addition to WHO:

• Satellite Overflow Shelters (SOS) at Immanuel Lutheran and River City Church

• City of Vancouver emergency shelters at the Arts Hub Building and Chkalov Drive

• Washougal Severe Weather Shelter (East County)

• Living Hope Church (severe weather walk-in)

• Year-round shelters, including Share House, St. Paul's Men's Shelter, Bertha's Place, and Safe Stay Communities

Q: What is a Severe Weather Shelter in Vancouver, WA? A: Severe Weather Shelters activate during extreme cold (typically below 36°F), snow, ice, or other dangerous conditions. Living Hope Church serves as a walk-in warming center during declared severe weather events—no referral needed. These life-saving shelters ensure no one is turned away during life-threatening weather.

Q: How does Clark County's Housing Hotline work? A: The Council for the Homeless operates the centralized Housing Hotline at 360-695-9677 (or 2-1-1). This coordinated entry system assesses needs and refers people to appropriate shelters based on availability and eligibility. Most Clark County shelters require referral through this hotline rather than accepting walk-ins.

Q: When was WHO founded? A: WHO was formally launched in 2003 through collaboration between Pastor Jim Stender (St. Andrew Lutheran), Pastor Chris Nolte (St. Paul Lutheran), and other faith leaders, partnering with Share and Council for the Homeless. The program was piloted in 2002 and has served Clark County for over 20 years.

Q: Can my business or organization volunteer at WHO? A: Absolutely! WHO welcomes corporate groups, businesses, school groups, youth organizations, and community teams. Group volunteer opportunities include meal preparation and special event coordination. Contact who@salcvan.org to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Q: Does WHO provide transportation for guests? A: Yes. During the 2024-2025 season, WHO provided 979 bus tickets, enabling 92 adults to commute to work throughout the winter. Transportation support is crucial for guests maintaining employment while experiencing housing instability.

Q: What is the demographic profile of WHO guests? A: WHO primarily serves working families who cannot keep pace with rising housing costs. During 2024-2025: Nearly half were living with disabilities, more than one-third were survivors of domestic violence, 67 were children, and most were double-income families working hard but facing Clark County's housing crisis.

Q: How has WHO changed since the pandemic? A: During COVID-19, St. Paul's men's shelter transitioned to year-round operations by Outsiders Inn. WHO at St. Andrew maintained its traditional volunteer-driven model and has seen strong volunteerism rebound post-pandemic. In 2025, WHO reorganized its partnership structure, with each site now independently managing resources and fundraising.

Q: Where can I mail a donation to WHO? A: Mail checks to: Winter Hospitality Overflow, c/o St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 5607 NE Gher Road, Vancouver, WA 98662. Or donate online through the Vanco giving portal at secure.myvanco.com/L-Z5Q1/campaign/C-12KEG.