Shearith Israel Night Shelter   

The Shearith Israel Night Shelter is operated by the Congregation of Shearith Israel, an egalitarian Conservative synagogue located just around the corner at 1180 University Avenue. Shearith Israel's night shelter has been in operation for twenty-two years, the first synagogue in the nation to open a homeless shelter. The shelter operates from November to March, seven days a week, and provides shelter and hot meals to thirteen residents. The shelter also refers residents to organizations that offer employment and personal counseling, computer and job skills training, medical care, and other important services. For more information, see http://www.sishelter.org/about.php.

How you can get involved:

Each year, Morningside provides a week of volunteer night hosts in early December and mid-February. Feb. 9-16, 2008: Sign ups sheets are available on the mission bulletin board. Two volunteers stay at the shelter from 6:15 p.m. until 7a.m. to support the staff member that is in charge for the night. We help serve dinner, visit with the guests and learn more about this important outreach. The children’s choir sings Christmas carols for the women in early December. We also collect supplies for the shelter each fall and coats, scarves and hats at our Christmas carol in December.

Whom to contact:

If you are interested in taking part in Morningside's work with the Shearith Israel Night Shelter, please contact Jeanne McCarthy at jeanne_mccarthy@bellsouth.net or Emilie Paille at emilie_paille@bellsouth.net or you can contact them at 404-873-3985.