HONESDALE, PA — The ongoing shortage of borough police officers could impact a safety net operation available to the people of Wayne County for the past five years. Warmth in the Night shelter, operated by Grace Episcopal Church, may have to close its doors this winter.

Susan Erb, wife of Reverend Edward K. Erb, told the Honesdale Borough Council at its September 12 meeting that the church board recommended closure of the shelter, if three-shift borough police coverage cannot be guaranteed for the duration of the shelter’s operating season: December 1 to March 15.

Erb said the board’s decision had been made with the safety of shelter guests and volunteer staff in mind. “Most of our volunteer staff are women and the elderly, who feel particularly vulnerable when threatening situations arise.” Noting that in the past borough police have been quick to respond when called for in such situations, Erb said that elimination of second and third shifts could jeopardize the safety of all at the shelter.

“Some of our shelter guests have mental health problems, substance abuse issues, or are domestic violence victims. Violent behavior on the part of shelter guests and their families is not uncommon,” said Erb, who worried that state police coverage, provided in the absence of borough police, could be too long in coming.

Addressing the council in support of Warmth in the Night, Margaret Ennis of Wayne County Human Services said the shelter is the only resource of its kind in the area and noted that its absence would place those needing emergency shelter at risk of death from exposure to cold or at the hands of those intending to harm them.

Erb said the shelter operates whenever outdoor temperature plus wind chill dips below 32° Fahrenheit. Adding that it is intended to be a stopgap homeless shelter only, Erb said its policy is to provide emergency shelter for the homeless only until other shelter can be secured. Guests may stay for a maximum of five nights, but it is rare for them to stay more than one, said Erb.

Although the shelter can accommodate up to 20 guests per night, the usual number is one or two, and sometimes none. Still, during one hurricane season when widespread power outages left many without heat, 19 guests and two dogs were in residence. Pets are not normally accepted at the shelter, but desperate times call for occasional bending of the rules.

During the harsh winter two years ago, the shelter hosted 65 guests between November 15 and March 15, while last year’s mild winter resulted in only 30 guests for the season.

A sympathetic council praised the shelter for its work, acknowledging its valuable contribution to the community. Then it told Erb that 24/7 policing is not possible at this time, due to police officer staffing shortages and budgetary constraints.

Grace Episcopal Church is located at 827 Church St. in Honesdale. For more information about Warmth in the Night, visit www.gracechurchhonesdale.org, or call 570/253-2760. The shelter depends exclusively on volunteers and monetary donations for its operation.

In other business, the council approved unanimously (minus absent Canfield, Ebert and abstaining Dux) the $2,500 bid for an exit audit of borough books necessitated by the resignation of borough treasurer Karen Breidenstein.

Lastly, in response to numerous queries from the public, October 31 was designated as the borough’s official general Halloween canvassing night. Parents and children are encouraged to Trick or Treat until 9 p.m., only at homes with porch lights on.

The council adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel issues.