Harvard Square Homeless Shelter
About
The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter is a student-run shelter in the basement of University Lutheran Church in Cambridge, where it first opened in 1983. Each winter season it provides up to 24 people at a time with a safe, clean and caring place to stay overnight. It is the only homeless shelter in the country operated entirely by student staff, and it is a member program of the Phillips Brooks House Association.
Along with temporary shelter, HSHS offers counseling resources and a transitional program for guests who are employed and committed to saving money toward housing. Its case management directors also maintain an info sheet pointing to other emergency shelters, transitional housing, ID assistance, clothing and food. The shelter depends on donors to cover rising energy costs and to repair and replace washers, dryers, guest computers, furniture and mattresses.
What to Know
- Prospective guests join a waitlist that opens shortly before the shelter’s seasonal opening.
- Volunteers and supply donations are welcome, with separate contacts for each.
- Phillips Brooks House Association oversees more than 80 student-run public service programs.
- Email is the preferred way to reach the shelter, since its phone is not always monitored.
Is this your business?
Claim it to add hours, photos, a description and a spotlight story.