CHESAPEAKE, Va. — As Hampton Roads continues to experience chillier weather, the city of Chesapeake is looking for churches willing to provide emergency overnight shelter during the month of December.
Each winter, Chesapeake churches, synagogues, mosques and organizations welcome individuals looking for a place to warm up as part of the Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (CAST), a "community of faith providing Emergency Overnight Winter Shelter for the homeless."
In a Facebook post Tuesday, the city said CAST was searching for organizations that could commit to hosting program during a two week span in December. CAST has previously said churches are ideal places to host due to the facilities available there, however, any organization is encouraged to host.
"CAST hosts provide a safe and warm facility that provides between 40 and 50 people breakfast, lunch, and dinner and shelter for seven days," according to Chesapeake's website. "The cost to provide these services is about $1,500. A scholarship is available for churches that cannot cover the total cost."
Additionally, CAST says 25 volunteers are typically needed to help serve and cook meals, monitor the bus stop and stay overnight.
Organizations that are interested in either hosting CAST or helping in another way are asked to contact CAST Director Sam Howard by email at sam.cast@abbalist.org.
From November to April, CAST will partner with local organizations to provide not only a warm place for homeless families to sleep but also enjoy a meal and receive support from the program.
"Each week during the 2023-24 season, CAST hosts will provide a safe and warm facility that serves roughly 40 to 50 people breakfast, lunch, and dinner while providing shelter for seven days," according to an October release from the city.
If you or someone you know needs help finding housing, food or other critical life resources, contact Chesapeake Thrives either by visiting their website or calling at 757-383-2489.
