Local churches to pilot winter men’s shelter in partnership with Love Inc.; program to house 4–8 screened participants

Pastor Rich told the council the town will pilot a hybrid winter men’s shelter in partnership with Love Inc. that aims to house four to eight men this winter and provide daily access to community resources and employment‑readiness supports.

"We started December 1st to March 15," Pastor Rich said, describing the planned operating dates. He said residents will be screened, required to participate in work or training, and transported to daytime services at a community resource center; placements will be handled through Love Inc.'s intake process and the program will not accept walk‑ins.

Rich said organizers have a van available to transport participants when numbers reach four to eight and that the shelter will provide dinner and lights‑out routines while participants work during the day toward employment and housing. The program will also collect winter coats, gloves and hats; volunteers and council members were invited to drop donations at the church on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Council members asked how long people could remain after March 15 if they were not yet housed or employed; Rich said the program had not yet finalized plans for post‑March placements. He described the effort as a hybrid model that requires applicants to complete an intake through Love Inc. and to engage in employment‑search activities.

The item was presented as a community initiative rather than formal council action; council members expressed support and noted that local partners are providing transportation and other logistics.

Next steps identified during the discussion include confirming placements through Love Inc., publicizing donation needs and reporting back to the council on program uptake and outcomes after the winter period.