Houses of Grace Winter Shelter Program
The All-Island Clergy Association’s “Houses of Grace” program sponsors Warm Spaces and Cold Weather Shelters. If you are Homeless or just Out of Heating Fuel and need A Warm Place to Stay Overnight or if you know of someone who is. All are warmly welcome!
February is Houses of Grace month. This successful volunteer run program is in its fourth year. The shelter is open every night of the week through March 31 for those who require simple hospitality, or need a warm bed due to homelessness or lack of heat. Men and women are welcome. Bedding, dinner and breakfast are provided.
Donations are needed to ensure the shelter is open during the cold winter months and to assist islanders at risk of becoming homeless.
Houses of Grace was founded by the Martha’s Vineyard Island Clergy Association and funds are managed through the Permanent Endowment of MV. Please make checks payable to FCCOWT with Houses of Grace in the memo line.
Open Every Night (January 1 through March 31) 7 PM to 7 AM
Men, women, and families are welcome
Bedding, Dinner & Breakfast are provided
Supervised by church volunteers
Safe, Secure, Warm
Shelter Locations
Mondays: The Federated Church, 45 South Summer Street, Edgartown, 508-627-4662
Tuesdays: St Andrew’s Parish House, 51 Winter Street, Edgartown, 508-693-0103
Wednesdays: Good Shepherd Parish Center, 55 School Street, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0342
Thursdays: The Federated Church, 45 South Summer Street, Edgartown, 508-627-4662
Fridays: St Andrew’s Parish House, 51 Winter Street, Edgartown, 508-693-0103
Saturdays: St Andrew’s Parish House, 51 Winter Street, Edgartown, 508-693-0103
Sundays: St Andrew’s Parish House, 51 Winter Street, Edgartown, 508-693-0103
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY! Two volunteers are needed for each shift. If you can help please call 508-627-5330.
The shelter is coordinated by the Island Clergy and housed in Island churches, but all are welcome to help. You can volunteer for one night or one night a week; for the early shift (6:30-9 PM) or the overnight shift (8:30 PM to 7 AM). There are always 2 staff volunteers, so you can team with a friend! And there is an experienced Weekly Coordinator who is always available to provide support, answer questions, and help you out. If you want to help but can’t make one of the orientation sessions, contact Father Chip (office@standrewsmv.org).
Shift 1: 6:30 – 9:00 pm (check in guests and serve dinner)
Shift 2: 8:30 pm – 7:00 am (sleep overnight and serve breakfast)
To read a letter to the MV Times, describing the experience of one volunteer, click here.