Harbor Homes Winter Shelter Opens in Edgartown

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA—The Harbor Homes winter shelter, a new nonprofit organization on Martha's Vineyard, opened at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown on Sunday night to offer assistance to those in need.

The shelter offers a bed every night of the week, three free meals a day, and extended operating hours for those who need a place to sleep and food during the winter.

“It’s going well,” coordinator Lisa Belcastro told The Vineyard Gazette. “It’s a slow start as everyone gets used to our schedule. I think in a couple weeks we’ll probably be full, word is spreading.”

During past winters, the Houses of Grace network provided shelter for struggling individuals. Because Houses of Grace was unable to provide services this year due to the pandemic, Harbor Homes stepped in.

Harbor Homes will be open until the end of March. Guests will be required to check in by 6 p.m. and leave by 9 a.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., breakfast at 8 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. The meals will be provided by local restaurants, private chefs, and Island parish houses and the shelter will be taking extra safety precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including incorporating social distancing, protective equipment, and cleaning protocols.

Houses of Grace relied on volunteers to staff the shelter in the past, but this year, the Harbor Homes is able to pay 16 employees with donations from the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, the County of Dukes County, and private foundations and donors. The shelter is still hiring and seeking volunteers for part-time and full-time positions.

For additional information about the Harbor Homes, contact Lisa Belcastro at lisa@lisabelcastro.com or 508-560-3678.