THE current covid-19 situation and social distancing requirements prohibit us from using our standard rotating model at this time. Wayne metropolitan action agency has partnered with Christnet services to provide safe temporary shelter for our guests this season. Call the information and referral center AT 734-284-6999, thenfollow the prompts to get connected to the proper call center representative for homeless services. A coordinated entry representative will take your information and make a referral to the shelter manager.
What is ChristNet’s seasonal rotating Nighttime Shelter Program?
The ChristNet seasonal rotating Nighttime Shelter Program is a cooperative, interfaith, community-based effort to provide temporary overnight shelter to homeless men, women, and children (when accompanied by a parent or guardian). The seasonal rotating Nighttime Shelter program open from mid October through the end of May. Guests may stay for up to 90 consecutive days while they seek a more permanent solution to their living situation.
How do I enroll in the Nighttime Shelter Program?
Please call our office at (734)287.8890 to inquire if there any “open beds” available. We will inform you if we have any open beds at that time. If we do have any open beds we would ask that you and your family come to our Daytime Program that day to do a full intake. Registration for any open beds is completed during the Daytime Program from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. daily. Unfortunately the demand for overnight shelter is high it may take several calls before we have any open beds available. We do encourage people to call daily as the number of open beds may change daily.
Where is the Nighttime Shelter Program located?
ChristNet does not have any single location. Instead, it is hosted on a rotating basis, one week at a time, by various churches and community organizations throughout the Downriver and western Wayne County suburbs. Each church hosts our guests for seven nights, from Sunday evening through the following Sunday morning. Guests are driven away from the host church each morning and return each evening via our ChristNet van.
Although the physical location of the shelter changes from week to week, a central intake has been designated for those seeking nightly shelter. This gathering spot, where guests are screened remains the same throughout the warming season. ChristNet intake takes place at ChristNet Center, in the lower level of the Taylor Church of the Nazarene, 24356 Eureka Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. Transportation is provided from this site to the host church on a nightly basis. No one reporting directly to the host site church on their own will be admitted or accommodated.
How many persons can the Nigttime Shelter Program accommodate?
Presently, the shelter can take up to 30 people per night depending on the physical layout of the host church. Smaller churches sign up for the beginning or end of the season when the weather is relatively mild. Only churches that can accept the maximum of 30 guests may host from October through May.
What services are offered during the Nighttime Shelter Program?
Those staying overnight are offered a warm, clean place to stay, an evening meal, breakfast, and a bag lunch to go. Bedding consists of a mattress, pillow, sheets and pillowcase, and two blankets. Personal care items such as razor and shaving cream, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and tooth paste, etc. are offered. Some churches provide clothing. If a shower is available at the church guests are permitted to use it. Shower nights are scheduled at a nearby school gym or community building for those churches that do not have on-site showers.
Is the Nighttime Shelter Program supervised? What are the rules?
Yes. Each church provides three to six volunteers who stay the night and supervise the guests making use of the building. ChristNet has several rules to foster the safety and comfort of both guests and volunteers.
Alcohol is strongly discouraged and guests receive a nightly breathalyzer exam.
Drugs and weapons are not permitted. Guests caught with either are permanently barred from the program.
ChristNet does not allow foul or obscene language, fighting or arguing, rough horseplay, sexual harassment or innuendo of guests or volunteers, or teasing that is demeaning in nature.
Guests are never allowed to “walk away” from the host church under any circumstances. All guests leaving the host church must do so by vehicle.
What does my church need to become a host site?
Generally speaking, a church does not need any “special” space. Some churches host in a large common room such as a gym or Fellowship Hall. Other churches use their Sunday School rooms. One Catholic church houses guests in an unused convent and another church uses its former parsonage!
Beds are allocated “dorm” style with the men on one side and the women on another. Special arrangement should be made for families staying at the shelter. All of the bedding, towels and wash cloths, and related equipment is provided by ChristNet. The host site is responsible for providing all of the food and all of the volunteer workers.
How can my church sign up to become a host site?
Thank you for asking! Your help is truly needed to provide effective, ongoing assistance to those in need of shelter and to expand the warming center season. Contact the executive director by clicking here or call us at (734)287.8890. The director and a member of the Board of Directors is available to speak directly with the leadership of your church or organization about participating in this worthwhile ministry.What is the ChristNet Rotating Shelter Program?
The ChristNet Rotating Shelter Program is a cooperative, interfaith, community-based effort to provide temporary overnight shelter to homeless men, women, and children (when accompanied by a parent or guardian). Guests may stay for up to 90 consecutive days while they seek a more permanent solution to their living situation.
