RGCC HYPO Week 2025 (1)
What is Hypothermia Prevention Week (HYPO)?

Every year during the winter season, FACETS hosts a Hypothermia Prevention Program (HYPO) in partnership with local churches and religious groups that shelter individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Churches help by hosting the shelter for a week to provide a safe haven for individuals currently experiencing homelessness in order to protect them from the cold weather.

When is HYPO Week?

This year, RGC is partnering with FACETS from March 8-15, 2026. We will help provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the guests by creating a safe and warm place for them to stay, cooking and serving homemade meals, and sharing the love of Christ through hospitality, company, conversation, and compassion. HYPO Week begins in...

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How can I get involved?

There are many ways to help with HYPO Week. You can volunteer for one of the shifts below by signing up here and inviting your family, community group, or friends to serve alongside you! Because HYPO is a low-barrier entry shelter, meaning that guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs or experiencing mental health challenges are welcome, all volunteers interacting with guests must be at least at the age of 16 years old and serve with their parent. Younger volunteers are welcome to participate by preparing meals offsite. If you would like to provide a meal and would like some help with the cost, please reach out to Kevin Cooner or Sarah Cooner for reimbursements up to $100.

 

If you would like to cook a meal onsite in the kitchen at RGC, you or one of your helpers must be kitchen-trained. We're offering a kitchen training on Sunday, March 1, starting at 12:15 p.m. after the service. Please join us!

 

Sign up here for a volunteer shift!

Volunteer Shifts: 

Breakfast Shift (5:00-7:30 a.m.)

  • We provide breakfast for the guests before they leave the building for the day. You can sign up to purchase, prepare, serve, and clean up a hot breakfast.

Lunch (Sandwich dropped off by 9:00 p.m. the night before)

  • We give the guests the option to build a to-go lunch before they leave each morning. You can be responsible for purchasing, assembling, bagging, and dropping off pre-made sandwiches the night before.

First Evening Shift (5:00-8:00 p.m.)

  • We welcome guests, interact with them, play games with them, help with dinner, and clean up as needed. You will help FACETS staff with setup before and after dinner.

Dinner Shift (5:30 p.m. or earlier if cooking onsite)

  • We have dinner ready at 6:00 p.m. Dinner shifts require volunteers to purchase ingredients for the meal and either cook at home and bring it at 5:30 p.m. or come earlier to cook onsite.

Second Evening Shift (8:00-11:00 p.m.)

  • We serve dinner to the latecomers and help the kitchen shift volunteers clean up. You can use this time to interact with the guests who are awake or take a trip to Giant to purchase supplies if they are needed for breakfast

Overnight (11:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.) (optional)

  • This shift is optional, considering FACETS staff will be onsite during the nights. However, if you would like to stay the night and interact with any guests who are awake (if appropriate), help the FACETS staff with perimeter safety checks every hour, and begin brewing coffee at 5:00 a.m. to help the morning shift, you are both welcome and encouraged to do so.

Donating Supplies

  • If you are not able to volunteer for one of these slots, you can donate supplies needed for the week!
Sign up to donate supplies!
FAQ
Where can I learn more?

You can reach out to Kevin Cooner () for more information or join us at our HYPO Informational Meeting on Sunday, February 15, after the service in Room 202.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up here for a volunteer shift or donate supplies! Please reach out to Sarah Cooner with questions regarding meals.

Is financial reimbursement available for providing a meal?

If you would like to provide a meal and would like some help with the cost, please reach out to Kevin Cooner () or Sarah Cooner () for reimbursements up to $100.

How should I interact with guests?
  • Each guest (or FACETS staff member) you interact with is created in the image of God and has intrinsic worth. We ask that you treat them with dignity, care, and love, honor their privacy and confidentiality, and listen and encourage them on their journey.
  • We are a faith community opening our doors to care for the poor and marginalized. It is okay to:
    • Talk about Christ and what he did for sinners.
    • Ask about what they believe.
  • You can ask about their story:
    • Where did they grow up?
    • Have they traveled much?
    • What kinds of hobbies do they have, or did they have before they got into their current situation?
  • If the guests ask or are interested, share your story!
  • Some guests are fellow believers. Encourage them and be encouraged by them.
  • Please refrain from taking photos of the guests. You are welcome to take photographs of your group cooking and cleaning.
  • Some guests may not want to talk, and that's okay.
What kind of activities will we be doing with the guests?
  • Playing board games
  • Engaging, interacting, and talking with them
  • Eating with them
Can I come to HYPO even if I haven't signed up?

Yes, the more the merrier! However, if you do come, please socialize with the guests more than you socialize with other volunteers.

Can I use the RGC kitchen to cook my meals?

Yes! However, you or one of your volunteers must be kitchen-trained. Please join us on Sunday, March 1, at 12:15 p.m., after the service, to be kitchen-trained and ready to cook a meal in the RGC kitchen.

What do I do if a guest asks me for money or assistance from the church?
  • Politely respond with something along the lines of: "I'm not allowed to do that, but the FACETS staff knows about resources that could help." However, if the Spirit leads you to respond as an individual, you are free to do so. Use your best judgment or ask a trusted brother or sister for guidance.
  • Why? In previous years, we have tried to direct guests to the church office for such requests, which resulted in the church staff being overwhelmed with requests. We don't have the capacity to vet and respond to every request.
What health or safety precautions will be taken?
  • There will always be someone from FACETS and the HYPO Week Leadership Team on-site when guests are present.
  • FACETS staff will work to isolate any guests with flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, etc.).
  • Neither FACETS staff nor volunteers should provide any medication without prior approval from the FACETS Nurse.
  • FACETS Homeless Healthcare Medical Outreach Worker will be out at the HYPO shelters once a week.
  • Please take all necessary precautions—wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer, and wear gloves when appropriate.
  • Should you witness any form of aggression, notify FACETS staff immediately.