The Warm Welcome Shelter is set to open its doors on Dec. 1, marking the start of its fourth winter season providing overnight accommodations for people experiencing homelessness in Sullivan County.
Located at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 120 Broad Street in Claremont, N.H., the facility will offer a safe space for guests seven days a week through March 31, 2027.
Operating as a low-barrier facility, the shelter welcomes individuals regardless of their personal circumstances. The project has grown since 2023, when a small group of church members first met to address the need for a warm space during cold weather. The initiative has grown into a communitywide effort, currently supported by 13 trained staff members and 43 volunteers.
“We have community partners and work with TLC, Claremont Soup Kitchen, West Central Behavioral Health Services, and we work with Baby Steps,” said Shelly Page, the shelter’s administrative manager. The facility is designed to accommodate up to 24 guests each night, with operating hours running from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
From emergency warming to overnight operations
The shelter’s development reflects a gradual expansion of services. In January 2024, the church began offering coffee and a warm place to sit specifically when temperatures dipped below 32 degrees. While the Claremont Police Department and the Claremont Fire Department initially approved this, overnight stays were not permitted at that time.
By the following winter, spanning January through March 2025, the program received authorization to set up cots, though guests were still not permitted to sleep. The transition to a full overnight model occurred by December 2025, when the shelter began opening a month earlier and established a consistent nightly schedule. This shift allowed for the hiring of paid staff members, known as hosts, to help oversee the overnight operation.
Staff training and local agency coordination ensure safety
Maintaining a safe environment is a priority for the organization. Staff members are trained in CPR and the administration of Narcan. According to Page, there were no overdoses at the shelter during the most recent winter season, compared to two incidents reported the year prior.
The shelter also coordinates with local agencies to connect guests with long-term resources. Robin Wittemann, director of Baby Steps, provides assistance with clothing, shower passes, and help completing complex paperwork for disability benefits, food assistance, and employment applications. The Claremont Soup Kitchen and Pantry contributes three to four meals each week to support the guests.
Grants and community donations fund annual operations
The shelter relies on a combination of grants and community donations to cover an annual operating budget of approximately $115,000. While the organization recently received a $4,000 government grant, it continues to seek additional funding from businesses and private donors. Southwestern Community Services, based in Keene, N.H., acts as the fiscal sponsor, managing payroll, insurance, and donations.
Several upcoming events are scheduled to support these fundraising goals:
- Dec. 4, 6 p.m.: An acoustic guitar benefit concert by Josh Hall at the Trinity Episcopal Church.
- Jan. 17: A dine-in fundraising event at The Common Man, where 20% of proceeds will be donated to the shelter.
Winter season needs
Beyond monetary contributions, the shelter maintains a list of ongoing in-kind needs to sustain its nightly operations. Required items include coffee, hot chocolate, toilet paper, paper towels, nondairy creamer, and sugar. Those looking to support the mission or view a full list of needs can visit the official donation page.
The shelter is currently preparing for the Dec. 1 opening, with staff training and volunteer coordination underway. Organizers are awaiting the outcome of pending grant applications to ensure the budget remains fully funded throughout the winter months. As the season progresses, the shelter continues to rely on the collaborative support of church members, local organizations, and community donors to maintain its nightly services.
