Since 2007, Our Lady Of The Chesapeake in Pasadena has provided shelter and food for up to 35 homeless men and women who visit the church each evening from about 5:15pm until 7:30am the following day. The shelter is set up in The Gathering Place Banquet Hall for that one week – known as Winter Relief Week – each January.
This year’s Winter Relief Week will take place from January 15th through the 22nd. Our Lady Of The Chesapeake is responsible for providing the men and women a daily hot breakfast, a bagged lunch, hot dinners, snacks, showers, and a safe, warm place in a loving, Christ-centered environment to spend the cold winter nights.
The men and women are picked up at the Intake Center in Glen Burnie which screens the men and women for any behavior issues. The Intake Center also may administer alcohol and/or drug tests in addition to police background checks before allowing them into the Winter Relief Shelter Program.
OLC transport the guests from the Glen Burnie Intake Center to The Gathering Place each day, arriving at the church between 5:15pm and 6:00pm. Dinner is served between 6:00pm and 6:15pm. After dinner, it’s free time until 10:00pm. Free time includes the above-mentioned ministries, plus activities such as watching DVDs/videos; and playing checkers, chess, cards, and other games. Lights are out at 10:00pm. Breakfast is served at 6:30am, and then guests are transported back to the Intake Center in Glen Burnie between 7:00am and 7:30am.
This week-long program requires a significant number of volunteers. Please note that volunteers must be age 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. For volunteer opportunities throughout this year’s Winter Relief Week, please visit https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/643071890042/false#/invitation
