"They save the shelter a great deal of money by preparing and often bringing their own supplies for dinner each night - allowing the Shelter to use the limited funds we receive to support out services," Naugle said. "But perhaps more importantly, they show our clients by their very presence each night that they have value.  When clients see that someone cares and has nothing to gain from helping them but chooses to do so anyway - those clients often find that they can begin to care for themselves and their future again. And without that hope, all of the services in the world couldn't help clients make better lives for themselves."

The Learning Center also has many volunteers. Youth and adults assist the staff with the preschoolers during the day. College students and adults help school-age children with their homework.