St. John’s Episcopal Church opens 12-bed emergency shelter for Northampton’s coldest nights (Northampton, Massachusetts)

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton has launched an emergency overnight shelter to provide warmth and safety during the coldest winter nights. The initiative began after a congregant shared a story about two individuals who had spent the night walking the city to avoid freezing. This moment sparked a collective decision among church members to create a space where people could find shelter when temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Trinity Room Emergency Overnight Shelter opened on January 1, offering 12 beds for those in need. The renovated multipurpose room, once a part of the Northampton Survival Center and Manna Community Kitchen, now serves as a temporary refuge for up to 10 people and two dogs. The shelter operates on nights when temperatures are predicted to fall below 15 degrees, which occurs roughly 20 times each winter.

Karen Daneu, a member of the church’s building and grounds team, emphasized the shelter’s low barrier approach. “You don’t have to be sober to come here. Essentially, all you need is a place that’s warm to come,” she said. The shelter allows pets, recognizing their importance to many individuals.

The transformation of the space required the dedication of the entire congregation. Members like Kate Common contributed by painting, tiling, and installing rubber baseboards. Fundraising efforts helped cover the $30,000 cost of renovations, with at least 65 volunteers completing training through Tapestry Health Services to operate the shelter.

Church members described their efforts as an embodiment of their Christian mission. “Theology is supposed to be practical and is supposed to be boots on the ground,” Common said. “It’s about working together in community to support one another.”

The shelter’s name reflects the collaboration between St. John’s, Manna Community Kitchen, and the broader community. The Trinity Room has a long history of service, having previously housed the Northampton Survival Center. After Manna moved upstairs in 2017, the room fell into disrepair, but its renewed purpose highlights the ongoing commitment to serving those in need.

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