While not a client of the shelters, I have visited the shelters.

I also have been around a fair amount of homeless due to where I live.

My first thing would be to establish a thing where 2nd shift labor could “stay a few hours late” and 1st shift could come in early…3rd shift…that’s your daylight so up to you.

Honestly I’d work with local employers to push this option. You work a half a shift after/before your shift once a month you get PTO/OT. A ton of technical nuance from an HR standpoint but it’s a start.

I know the human body is very adaptable…I work outside. I don’t live outside.

Yes, the shelters are in churches but they aren’t out there making you take in a sermon to be warm.

I can think of a couple specific homeless folks I know and have seen in the past month who I know will enter winter starting tonight. One should honestly be in long term mental care and the other seems very experienced.

I say this…if you are willing to work a half a shift late or a half a shift early or an overnight or maybe less…maybe once a month for PTO, a shortened workweek or whatever, suggest this to your boss. They may say we can only do a person a week or whatever reality…but it’s real life. And helpful.