Shelter Returns to St. Bart’s

Back in October, I wrote to you about situational vs. chronic homelessness. I explained that people in situational need often have never been homeless before. They may be without a home due a lost job, an injury, a fire, or a marital breakup—when we hear their stories, it is easy to imagine that “there but for the grace of God go I”—and they need immediate help. With a strict intake process in place, the Interfaith Shelter Network provides wintertime housing and meals for those in situational need by rotating them through houses of faith that host them. St. Bart’s is back in the rotation in 2026!

From Sunday, February 1, to Sunday, February 15, we will have at least three people sheltering in our multipurpose room. (There will be no forums on the three overlapping Sundays.) For two weeks, it is our job to provide a hot dinner—feel free to sit and eat with our guests—as well as a continental breakfast and bag lunch. We also need overnight chaperones who can sleep in the church offices (with private bathroom) or in their own camper in the parking lot.

If this sounds like a lot, know that St. Bart’s does not do this alone. Not only are St. Tim’s, Grace, and Trinity Episcopal helping out, but so are our neighboring temples, Poway Community Church, and one of our renters. Below is a button to sign up for meals and/or overnights. Please do sign up as we celebrate the return of the Interfaith Rotational Shelter to St. Bart’s. This is a wonderful opportunity to seek and serve Christ in all people, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Blessings,

Mother Nina+