Helping the Unhoused in Orange County

Last winter, St. Matthew's and Hillsborough Presbyterian churches partnered with the Orange county cold weather shelter program to offer respite from nighttime freezing temperatures in Hillsborough for those living unsheltered among us.  Although that project did not come to fruition, both churches continued throughout the winter to provide meal support to those using the Chapel Hill Cold Weather Shelter.

That work continues. This winter, we hope to provide meal support to the shelter in Chapel Hill on nights where predicted temperatures are 32 degrees and below, November through March.  We would sign up for a week or two and provide meals any time the shelter activates during those week(s).  We will need parishioners to provide food: main dishes that can be frozen in smaller quantities and fresh fruits and vegetables.  In addition, 2-3 people are needed to serve food in Chapel Hill, approximately 6:30pm-8:30pm on-site, setting up the food, serving and cleaning up.

Please contact Ellen McRae if you can help provide food or serve.

St. Matthew's and Hillsborough Presbyterian are members of the Orange county community's Continuum of Care (CoC).  Ellen McRae and Nancy Rosebaugh represent St. Matthew’s and are involved in learning about the current ways that St. Matthew's might lend a hand or offer resources to reduce episodes of homelessness.  Part of this effort is learning more about the actual needs and factors that contribute to prolonged homeless states.

To that end, there is an informational program being offered at St Matthew’s and elsewhere "Beyond the Surface" by the Partnership to End Homelessness on September 28th, 6-7:30pm.  Registration is not required but helpful (Beyond the Surface Registration). If you are able to help with setting up/cleaning up or providing light snacks, please contact Ellen McRae (919-630-0587).