PACEM, a First Pres mission partner, coordinates volunteers and available spaces to provide a welcoming overnight safe space for homeless guests during the winter months, when freezing temperatures make sleeping outdoors a serious danger. The community has responded to the need by providing temporary housing in church facilities. We are very excited that our PACEM guests are arriving for two weeks on Tuesday, December 16th and will be spending their nights with us through Christmas until Tuesday, December 30th.

Please let us know where you can help us provide a warm welcome to our guests, whether in-person or with supplies. First time volunteers are always welcome. There will always be a First Pres PACEM leader present to help with any questions.

Please read carefully.

There are seven possible areas to volunteer:

Volunteer to serve in the Carriage House from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, males preferred. Responsibilities will be to interact with the PACEM guests and supervise showers. 2 volunteers needed for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Volunteer to serve in Agape Hall from 5:30pm - 8:00pm. You may bring a friend or family member. Responsibilities will be to interact with the PACEM guests, assist the meal provider with serving dinner, clean up, and take out the trash. 2 volunteers needed each evening. (It would be helpful if one volunteer could stay until 8:45pm each day.)

Supply evening snacks for 50 people. These can be dropped off at the church in advance. Please have all items individually packaged. Possible items include cheese sticks, cases of bagged chips or nuts, cookies, brownies, and baked goods. 1 volunteer for each date.

Supply continental breakfast for 40 people. These can be dropped off at the church in advance. Please have all items individually packaged. Possible items include milk, orange juice, yogurt, bananas, muffins, granola bars, breakfast bars. Please do not bring anything that needs to be heated. All items need to be ready "to go." 1 volunteer for each date.

Set up for PACEM guests. Help get Agape Hall ready for hosting PACEM on Tuesday, December 16, from 9:00am - 11:00am. 6 volunteers needed.

Take down. Help clean up and organize after our guests move to their next shelter location on Tuesday, December 30, from 8:30am - 11:00am. 6 volunteers needed.

Morning guest departure. Assist PACEM overnight staff with coffee, breakfast snacks and guest departure, then lock up church. 6:00am - 7:00am. 1 volunteer each day.

Sign-Up to Volunteer by clicking the URL below
https://firstprescharlottesville.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/bf69db51-a7bd-423b-9547-b34303ecf37b

Want to participate but aren’t able to volunteer?
Hearts & Hands will assemble Welcome Bags for the first night of PACEM, and you can take part by donating supplies. Your gifts help us extend warmth and hospitality to our guests from the moment they arrive.

Sign Up to Donate Welcome Bag Items by clicking the URL below
https://firstprescharlottesville.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/2265f1b5-a2a1-491f-ab1d-911e6e5c03c2

Please contact Marta Ruggles with any questions.
Phone: 434-258-1776
Email: mruggles@merig.com