The 27th annual GMC Winter Shelter kicked off on the first Sunday in November at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown. In cooperation with a slew of local congregations, GMC will continue to host 10 individuals experiencing homelessness through the second week of April this year — two weeks longer than the shelter has run in previous years, in order to provide additional warmth and shelter during the still-chilly early weeks of spring.

In addition to Grace Church, participating congregations include Church of the Pilgrims, Christ Church, Holy Trinity, St. Paul’s Parish, St. John’s, Georgetown Lutheran, Epiphany Roman Catholic, Georgetown Presbyterian, First Baptist, St. Stephen the Martyr, Kesher Israel and Dumbarton UMC. Designated volunteers cook meals each night, both serving and dining with guests, offering an opportunity for camaraderie among staff, volunteers and shelter residents. The shelter program relies heavily on volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering with this year’s shelter, contact GMC Case Manager, Sabrina Burrell, at sabrina@gmcgt.org. We’re always happy to have new volunteers to prepare meals, eat with guests, or spend the night. An important function of the shelter program is to offer its guests not just a meal and a place to stay, but a community of camaraderie and respect. A smiling face and listening ear can sometimes offer much-needed nourishment that a meal can’t provide. Consider joining us this season at the shelter! 

GMC board members and volunteers serve at the Church of the Pilgrims