Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Life in a shelter

The following is a list of rules that most shelters post:

• no pets.

• no smoking.

•  no weapons (includes knives).

• no alcohol.

• no boom box type radios.

In first 24 hours in a shelter you can expect no bedding, little water, and unreliable food service. However, you can expect people living and working together in close quarters but in harmony for the common good.

The following is a list of items to bring to the shelter:

• prescription and non-prescription medicines, placed in a plastic zip-lock bag.

• sleeping bag and/or cot, folding chair, lawn chair and blankets.

• personal hygiene items.

•   eye glasses.

• dentures.

• change of clothing.

•  non-perishable food and snacks.

• water for two days.

• driver’s license.

• insurance policies.

• titles for auto, house, etc.

• copy of your house inventory.

• personal telephone numbers.

• small radio.

• games and reading material.