Guide to Starting a Cold Weather Shelter

Written by Christie Love

Trauma Training Takeaway: The fear of not surviving the winter and losing their life to freezing cold temperatures is one of the most common trauma triggers that I observe in individuals without stable shelter talk about as the weather is getting colder. This trigger can lead to mental health struggles, sobriety relapses, and even risk taking behavior. Providing a safe, warm, no-barrier space for people to sleep and survive life-threatening weather is one of the most compassionate and trauma-informed ways that faith communities can steward sacred space.