HOMELESS SHELTER

A House of Worship is Also a Home

As a founding member of the New York City Emergency Shelter Network, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue has maintained a homeless shelter during the winter months for 40 years. Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Homeless Shelter provides a warm, safe place to sleep, along with a hot meal, for up to 10 men. The Shelter is an entirely volunteer effort, coordinated by BHS congregants and supported by members and non-members alike, including other synagogues, churches, schools, and community groups. We provide an evening meal each night. The hospitality and opportunity to dine in a small group setting are at least as important as the food we serve.

Guests are brought to the Shelter, on the ground floor of the Synagogue, by bus from a drop-in center operated by CAMBA, the largest social service agency in Brooklyn. All Shelter guests are screened by CAMBA including for the following: a) visual assessment for alcohol and drug sobriety and general hygiene; b) health assessment including respiratory and COVID symptoms, and TB; c) psychiatric and psychosocial evaluations by a competent professional; and d) screening all guests for weapons and contraband prior to leaving the drop in center.

The only thing all our guests have in common is that they are homeless men. They are otherwise a diverse group in terms of age, background, and circumstances. Some men will spend the night in our Shelter having been at work all day. If our beds, food, and hospitality were not available, many would have nowhere else to sleep.

sign up to volunteer

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE SHELTER

OVERNIGHT STAY

There is a security guard on duty all night. Two adults spend the night at the Shelter. Two people may sign up together or an individual will be paired with another volunteer. Volunteers arrive at 7:00 pm and are met by an Evening Coordinator who shows them the ropes. They set up, serve dinner, and clean up after dinner. The next morning, they get up early and are free to leave by 6:30 am. A child at least the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah may spend the night with a parent, or an adult approved by the child’s parents. Children under the age of 13 may bake desserts, help cook, set up and serve, or spend the night with both parents or a parent and another adult.

Overnight Volunteer Guidelines

COOKING

Volunteer cooks prepare a meal at home and deliver it to the Shelter kitchen no later than 7:00 p.m. with a description of the meal and instructions for serving/heating. Reheating is done in a toaster oven or a microwave. Alternatively, the meal may be ordered for delivery. Cooking is also an excellent way to involve children as Shelter volunteers. Click here for Cooking Guidelines.

Cooking FAQs

SET-UP HELP

Families with young children can sign up to help set up beds and set the table before the guests arrive. Only one family per night. The time is 7:00pm-7:30pm. Those with older children may stay to help serve dinner. Children over the age of 13 can set up and serve without their parents.

If you want more information about our shelter, please contact shelter@bhsbrooklyn.org