Kalona resident Roger Weber was wanting to get back into volunteering when he found the Iowa City organization Shelter House.

Shelter House helps people improve the quality of their lives as they move beyond homelessness. Weber was impressed by what Shelter House does to give homeless people a hand up, helping people find employment and places to live.

In his two years volunteering for Shelter House, Weber has gained an understanding of those with a range of issues, from mental health to substance abuse, “I’ve gotten to see a little bit of how other people live. A lot of us get kind of focused on themselves. I grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa, and that’s a lot different than a bigger city. You just don’t understand how people that don’t have as much as you, how they live.”

Weber volunteers at Shelter House once a week, responsibilities include working the front desk, doing laundry, and giving out hygiene products and towels for those wanting showers. He also volunteers at the Temporary Winter Emergency Shelter, which can add up to a full work day for the retiree. Weber will be receiving a Governor’s Volunteer Award on October 27. Nominated by Carissa Bailey at Shelter House, she said he is a consistent presence at the shelter, with a contagious positive attitude, and a willingness to help wherever. Weber says he is humbled by this recognition, and he looks forward to meeting other volunteer award recipients at the Ottumwa ceremony.