Tahoe Warm Room celebrates community, success and Wendy David

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless held an open house Wednesday, February 22 to show the community their new winter home, introduce volunteers and board members, answer questions and honor South Lake Tahoe Councilmember, and Mayor Pro Tem, Wendy David.

David has been a driving force in the community to provide the basic, necessary temporary shelter to those in housing insecurity during the dangerously cold season.

"Wendy is the person who carries the torch, is hardworking and makes things happen," said Dr. Marissa Muscat, executive director of the Tahoe Warm Room as she introduced David. "She truly cares about this community."

Since opening for the winter on December 15, 2017, the Tahoe Warm Room has housed 84 different men and women for a total of 1590 shelter bed nights at their new location at 2179 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.

Each night the warm room has space for 30 people who need refuge from the cold and wet conditions outside. The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless says they average 25 people a night, 19 men and six women. Five families with 12 kids have sought services, and they were given vouchers for a motel room for the night.

Those guests at the warm room have received social services and have had access to support groups.

Volunteers make it all happen, and to date they have trained 107 people who have worked 420 shifts so far this winter. They not only help at the warm room but they also help with fundraising and event planning.

New this year is paid staff members, and Susie Stitch is their new operations coordinator. She was on hand during the open house to give tours and answer questions from the public.

Also new this year is a shower and laundry room. The very first person to use the shower told staff that it was the first time he had taken a shower in two years and was excited the warm room had this new addition.

"I am honored and humbled for this honor," said David. "We're all a part of this community and its just not caring, but foremost its about caring for each other."

There are no other training sessions this year but people can help with donations. The warm room needs donations to help feed and clothe those who use the facility. Warm gloves, boots, socks, wool sweaters, long underwear and non-perishable food that can be prepared in a microwave. To find out how to help, visit their website or contact them at 775-573-0822 or tahoewarmroom@gmail.com.