Homeless shelter 2011

December 04, 2011

May Those Who Visit Know Only Blessings and Peace

Shaarai Shomayim to Host Shelter Once Again Dec. 24-Jan. 1
As the cold weather approaches and we are warm and comfy in our homes, it is a good time to consider those who are not as fortunate.  The annual homeless shelter at Shaarai Shomayim will take place during the Christmas season, Dec. 24-Jan. 1.

The shelter began six years ago in Lancaster City for the purpose of providing shelter to the homeless. It was an overflow shelter which meant the various locations in the city that provided shelter where at there capacity. The program was modeled after a similar program in N.J. that Rabbi Paskoff had been involved with. Our synagogue and other city churches would take a weekly rotation throughout the winter.  Initially shelter was offered to men and we housed about 40 men.  Five volunteers per evening stayed over night at the Temple to help check people in, provide a snack and supervise throughout the night.  Things changed in the past two years in that the shelter was for women and children only. There have been about 25 women sheltered here in each of the past two years. 

Hundreds of Shaarai volunteers have stayed over night and or provided a snack for the shelter guests over the past 6 years. Families have stayed overnight and even bridge groups volunteer to stay over. We have gained a reputation among our guests as a good location to be.  Possibly because our snacks have always been extra tasty.  We have also offered every guest a holiday gift on Christmas morning.

Our efforts have evolved over the years. This year we will provide breakfast on Christmas morning for the ladies and allow them to linger here longer to watch movies or do a crafts project. While it is our hope that the shelter will no longer be needed because everyone has found a safe place to live, it is wonderful to know that we have offered our House for them in the mean time.

Volunteers are expected to arrive around 6:30 p.m. to check in guests.  Other duties will include making coffee, serving a snack, and keeping things in order throughout the night.  At least two people must remain awake at all times.  You should plan on bringing a sleeping bag, pillow, and comfortable clothes.  Cots are provided.
Sign up to spend the night by contacting Marilyn Stein at .  We will need approximately 5 people per night.
Please invite your friends who have not signed up to join you for an experience they will not forget.
We also need donations of snack type food for our guests, including a few dozen cookies, fruit and veggie trays, or other finger foods.
A short orientation meeting will be scheduled for new volunteers at a later date.