A partnership with Carpenter's Shelter of Alexandria, Virginia

Blessed Sacrament Shelter
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shelter and why do it at Blessed Sacrament?

Blessed Sacrament has a strong history of social justice. We provided the first homeless shelter in Alexandria, and were instrumental in creating Carpenter's Shelter. We tithed as a parish for years and support a sister parish in Honduras. The singles group has supported Martha's Table for many years. Much of our musical tradition reflects this dedication to social justice, including The Servant Song, Canticle of the Turning, We Are Called, and All That Is Hidden.

Now we are called upon again to answer the call. Carpenter's Shelter runs a hypothermia program from November until March to help with the people who do not fit in the main Carpenter's Shelter building (they have run this program for at least 10 years in several churches). They now need our space to help with their program.

What days will the shelter operate?

The shelter will run from January 8 until March, every Saturday night.

What is the procedure for running the shelter?

For official procedures, please see our procedures page.

First, all guests will first be screened by Carpenter's Shelter (including a breathalyzer test). Any person known to cause problems will be kept at Carpenter's Shelter. Carpenter's Shelter will send a group of twenty in a series of taxis at about 7:00 p.m. Our guests will all arrive within about ten minutes of each other. One of the guests will have a list of names to ensure that we are only getting the people sent over from the shelter. When they arrive, they will be asked to sign an agreement and acknowledgment of our rules.

BSCC Shelter will take no walk-ins. If someone needs shelter and comes directly to Blessed Sacrament, we will get a taxi and send them to Carpenter's Shelter. Even if that person has already spent several nights at BSCC, they will still have to go to Carpenter's Shelter.

Once our guests arrive, they will directly to the multi-purpose room. They will get a mat and sleeping bag from the storage area and set up a space for themselves. Those who smoke will be let out once for smoke break, but they will otherwise be confined to the multi-purpose room. If they leave, they will not be let back in (and we will call Carpenter's Shelter to let them know).

All guests must be off the property by 7:00 a.m. (most will be gone long before 7:00 to go to their jobs.) They will be responsible for picking up their sleeping bag and mat, cleaning the room and vacuuming the floor. We hope to eventually provide them McDonalds coupons and DASH bus tokins.

What are the safety issues, in particular regarding the school?

The shelter will only operate on Saturdays -- which pose no danger to school children.

What if our guests start loitering around the church?

Never in the ten-year history of the program has there been a case of guests loitering around the church. This is primarily because of three reasons:

1. Loitering is strictly against the rules. If they hang around the church, they risk losing shelter for the winter.
2. Many have jobs and are working during the day.
3. Their turf is in Old Town and the ones who do not hold jobs usually want to go to where their friends are.

What are the legal issues?

Blessed Sacrament is covered under Carpenter's Shelter's insurance policy. All volunteers will sign cards that will cover them under Carpenter's Shelter's policy as well.

How did this project start?

This shelter is a project of the Blessed Sacrament Pastoral Council. Working closely with Fr. Cregain, this project has had the support of the council since it's inception. Non-council people who have also helped are Eileen Collins, Kevin Heanue, Dan Evans and Bud and Connie Hart.

How can I volunteer?

The Blessed Sacrament Shelter will need one volunteer every night to work with the Carpenter's Shelter staffer.

To volunteer, you can register to use the central shelter calendar (http://www.OBrienConsulting.com/OCS/bscc/register.html) or you can call Bart Jones at 703.683.5875.

All volunteers will need to sign the insurance card that will cover them under Carpenter's Shelter policy (available at the BSCC Shelter and will be provided by the Carpenter's Shelter staffer). Also, volunteers need to be familiar with the BSCC Policies and Procedures (http://www.OBrienConsulting.com/OCS/bscc/procedures.html).

How can I help, other than volunteering?

Other than volunteering, the Blessed Sacrament Shelter will need evening snacks (cookies, brownies, fruit, etc.), coffee, and money. Please bring all donated food and money to the parish office. If you write a check, please be sure to write "SHELTER" on the memo line of the check (in BIG letters!).

Your prayers are also greatly appreciated.