Conestoga huts are ready for use in in 2019 at the city of Walla Walla’s Sleep Center at 1181 W. Rees Ave. The huts are insulated, but not heated or cooled.

WALLA WALLA — As temperatures drop and fall begins, Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless is getting ready for the colder months and asking for donations and other assistance for its shelter community.

The Alliance for the Homeless runs the Sleep Center, also called the shelter community, which provides a place to sleep for those who would otherwise be unsheltered homeless persons.

“Since we opened the initial shelter in 2017, the need for emergency shelter during extreme cold has decreased significantly,” said Chuck Hindman, board president for the Alliance for the Homeless. “New Beginnings Chapel runs an emergency shelter in the coldest weather, but they are limited to 10 persons and sometimes have trouble finding volunteers to staff it at night.”

The Sleep Center hosts three kinds of shelters. The first is a six-bed room called “men’s overflow,” which is used when a new guest asks for shelter but there is nowhere else for men. The room is insulated and dry but not heated.

The shelter also has 37 conestoga huts, which are 6 feet by 10 feet units that are also insulated and dry but unheated. Hindman said in both cases, enough bedding is provided so someone can sleep comfortably in a space that is normally about 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

“If someone is cold, they can also come to a heated common room, where there is also food available,” Hindman said. “We also have warm showers a few times a week for those who want it.”

The third and newest units are transitional shelters for those whose behavior has been positive and are working toward getting themselves to better situations.

“Many have jobs and have worked with various agencies,” Hindman said. “The units have heat, AC and electricity with a fridge and microwave so folks can transition to more independent living.”

The Sleep Center is on city-owned property at 1181 West Rees Ave., and the Alliance for the Homeless manages it. Hindman said when there is no space at the Sleep Center or someone does not qualify, there are other shelter options in town.

“Christian Aid Center does a lot for those who are open to clean and sober behavior, including the women’s center, which will allow mothers to be accompanied by their children,” Hindman said. “YWCA shelters women and children who are victims of intimate partner violence. Our community is blessed with some really effective nonprofits working together in a community that supports our work.”

To prepare for the fall and winter months, the Sleep Center needs donations from the community that includes, but is not limited to, pillows, new or used winter coats size 2X and 3X, gently used or new socks, underwear, T-shirts, long sleeve tops, jeans size 30/32 or 32/34, elastic waist bottoms, sweatshirts and shoes.

Anyone wanting to donate, volunteer or learn about staying at the shelter community can find more information at wwallianceforthehomeless.com/shelter. Volunteers typically register new clients, assign and prepare huts, provide bedding and communicate the rules of the community to residents.