Winterhaven at St. Nicholas
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Thank you to all who volunteered in our week of the Winterhaven shelter at St. Nicholas. We served a total of 29 men during the week. Generally things went pretty smoothly during the week. A few changes were institued this year that were generally successful. A final report for the shelter week will be posted here shortly.
If you would like to contact the St. Nicholas Winterhaven coordinators Tom and Karen Arnold through this website, please click here to access the contact form.
General Information
Winterhaven is a temporary shelter program that offers overnight accommodations for men and women at locations throughout the local community of Laurel, Maryland. The shelter is provided by various faith organizations on a weekly rotational basis from November to March. Those who seek shelter are referred to as “guests.”
St. Nicholas has participated in the Laurel Winterhaven program every year since the 1991-1992 inaugural Winterhaven season. Upwards of 200 persons in the parish are actively involved each year, and of course many more through the prayers of those in the congregation. In the early years of the program, the number of guests on any given night was typically less than about 20, but has grown over the years, particuarly the last few years where on some nights we have had as many as 35 guests.
For sleeping space we utilize the three classrooms on the west side of the church, sleeping 8-9 persons per room and utilizing back northeast corner of the church for overflow sleeping space. Guests are served an evening meal (in church social area) and in the morning cold breakfast items and a bag lunch. Guests also upon check-in to the shelter are asked if they desire a reservation for the following evening and if so are given in the morning an "admit slip" to gain reentry to the shelter the next evening.
Being a part of this St. Nicholas ministy is a truly rewarding experience. First, in sharing our time and talent with others in our community in need, but also in our growth as a parish and community, working with so many others toward the common goal of conducting a successful shelter program. The generosity of so many in the parish, really giving their all for this program, has been an important part of its continued success.