Finishing classes, studying for finals and thinking of winter break clutters the minds of some students so much that they sometimes overlook an important aspect of the holiday season: giving. One way students can show their generosity this winter is to help with Eugene’s homeless community.
The estimated homeless population in Eugene is 18,000, according to a 2004 survey by Central City Concern, a group that provides assistance to the homeless. Places such as First Place Family Center in Eugene serve the homeless community and help students volunteer.
“The goal of the center is to provide emergency services for people in transition and to get them back on their feet,” center director Tim Rockwell said.

More than 50 congregations and synagogues participate in the Family Center, on 1995 Amazon Parkway, to provide services of immediate needs for homeless or soon-to-be homeless families. The night shelter provides meals, sleeping areas and transportation, while the day shelter offers free childcare, laundry services, food, clothing and counseling.
Rockwell said the center was created 15 years ago with the idea that by providing people a place to shower and do their laundry, their likelihood of finding a job would increase. He estimated that about 580 families use the center’s facilities during the year, with winter amassing the most calls.
Students who volunteer can help with childcare, transportation or administrative activities.
Senior Colin Macdonald, the center’s volunteer coordinator, said volunteering there is “a great platform to look at political and managerial aspects of a nonprofit.”
Macdonald originally volunteered for the center in winter 2003 for his family and human services major and has now volunteered for three terms.
He said volunteering at the center can be overwhelming and suggests student volunteers be respectful, competent and open-minded.
“I have met the most vibrant, charismatic people at the center — it’s what keeps me going,” Macdonald said.
Another facility that helps the homeless is ShelterCare. The organization has 10 residential sites and serves three populations: homeless families with children, adults with mental illness and adult survivors of brain injury.
ShelterCare was originally started as Eugene Emergency Housing in the 1970s. In 1978, the organization began providing services for adults with mental illness. Uhlhorn, an apartment complex located on West 13th Avenue, was established in 1990 and is an example of one of the residential sites offered for people who suffer from head injuries.
Volunteer Coordinator Gene Obersinner said ShelterCare is in need of volunteers during the busy winter holidays and has been desperately trying to recruit from the University.
“Most people in society feel better when they get a chance to give, and working with ShelterCare will give them a chance to do that,” Obersinner said.
Obersinner said students who volunteer can work in children’s programs, help residents on outings or do administrative tasks. Obersinner also emphasized how important recreation is to the residents.
“If a volunteer can come in and play an instrument or help on an outing, the clients really love it,” he said.