"The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person"

We live our First Principle through our actions in providing dignity for all of our Guests

Mission Statement

The Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Committee (BES) is part of a community faith-based partnership that provides a network of care and hospitality for the homeless inthe community particularly through providing emergency sheltering of the homeless. It endeavors to:

• Be effective caregivers to those served by providing compassionate and innovative assistance.
• Raise awareness of the realities of homelessness and to inspire the greater community to action

This mission is accomplished at UUCLV on every Wednesday night, December through March, by providing shelter and meals in the Community Room and Frieda Marie's Kitchen.

What do We Do?

Running the shelter is a big job for a small group. Did you know that every Wednesday night during the shelter duration (mid-December until March 31) we host upwards to 50+ homeless men. We provide shelter from 5:30pm Wednesday until 8am Thursday. Every guest receives a hot meal with lots of hot coffee, one or two movies, a warm bed, a hot breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast etc. and, of course coffee. To do this we have obtained, thru donations and gifts, 48 blankets, 18 comforters, 49 sleeping bags, 58 pillows, bags for each guest to keep their sleeping gear in plus 45-50 cots. All of this has to be taken out Wed. and put away again Thurs. morning. At the end of the shelter season everything needs to be taken to the cleaners and thoroughly cleaned, returned to the church and stowed away until December.