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Robbie Griffee began her part time employment for the shelter on Jan. 1. She has lived in Delta for several years, and became involved in the Abraham Connection as a volunteer about a year ago. Her role at the shelter will be overseeing the pool of overnight volunteers, guest relations and compiling statistical information regarding shelter operations.
"I'm excited to serve the ministry in this capacity," Griffee said. "Our shelter is such an amazing example of what a supportive, giving and caring community Delta County is, and I hope to help the board, volunteers and our guests have the best possible experience."
Griffee comes on board as the first paid employee at the shelter after a successful beginning to the second season of operations. The Abraham Connection/Delta County Homeless Shelter began last January by serving a free community meal to those in need. That mission moved into offering overnight shelter. The first night the shelter opened, volunteers were able to provide a place to sleep to four men, all residents of the county.
The Abraham Connection/Delta County Homeless Shelter is an emergency overnight shelter and is open only 180 days in a calendar year. The board has chosen to be open during Colorado's coldest months November-April. In the first season, which ended April 30, 2011, volunteers provided 77 bed nights. In that time, only two guests were transients; the vast majority were Delta County residents. Of the two transients, one stayed in the area, got a job and rented an apartment. The other moved on after a couple of days at the shelter.
During this season, as of the end of December, the shelter has provided 211 bed nights, a huge increase. Similar to last year, only two guests this season have been "transients," and have left the area after a few nights at the shelter. There has been only one night this season when no guests stayed the night, on New Year's Eve.
Volunteers have also provided 514 meals to people who didn't need the service of the shelter, but couldn't afford to eat. Nearly 150 volunteers have put in more than 2,500 hours to feed and house the homeless and houseless of Delta County in just two months since the season opening.
Until the hiring of Griffee, the Abraham Connection has been operated solely on volunteer labor and donations. "We have been astounded at the generosity of this community," said board president Cheryl Oeltjenbruns. "When we have needs at the shelter, we only have to ask one or two people and suddenly we are flooded with donations. Delta County is an extremely giving, caring community." The shelter has already served many men and women, and several families, this season.
The shelter is open seven days a week from 6-7 p.m.; doors close promptly at 7 p.m. Guests are served dinner and breakfast. The shelter is located in the basement of the Delta United Methodist Church, space that has been generously donated by the congregation for the Abraham Connection's temporary use.
A 24-hour shelter hotline can be reached by calling 773-8290 for questions about the program or to refer a guest.
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