Overnight shelter program winding down third winter
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD - People who are looking for a warm place to lay their head at night have found welcome solace courtesy of the Freehold clergy and area houses of worship.

Stan Rosenthal, who co-founded Freehold Borough's Open Door hot lunch program, and other volunteers have continued to work to provide overnight accommodations for men who may be forced to spend their days and nights living in makeshift shelters outdoors.

This is the third year local houses of worship have opened their doors to provide food and shelter on bitter winter nights.

The program began in December and will run through the end of March. Last year's program provided food and shelter 350 times (some people come more than once). This year service has been provided 300 times with almost a full month remaining.

The following houses of worship are participating in the shelter program on a rotating basis this winter: St. Veronica's Roman Catholic Church, Howell; Temple Shaari Emeth, Manalapan; United Jerseyville Methodist Church, Howell; St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, Freehold Township; The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Freehold Borough; and Hope Lutheran Church, Freehold Township.

Shelter guests are screened to ensure they are not intoxicated or under the influence of any drugs.

The shelter guest is met by a program volunteer at 6 p.m. and taken to that night's shelter. Volunteers supervise the men during their overnight stay.

According to Rosenthal, the men receive a hot meal in the evening and have access to television and games. A light breakfast is provided the next morning.

Finding a shelter within walking distance for the men who need a place to stay is always the hope, according to Rosenthal, but unfortunately it has not worked out that way. Volunteers, therefore, are needed to transport the men to and from the area houses of worship that have opened their doors to the program.

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare meals, provide transportation if necessary and provide supervision for the overnight guests.

Donations of cold cereal, coffee, tea, juice and paper goods are appreciated.

Rosenthal said while monetary donations are always appreciated and are of great assistance to the program, people are what really make it successful.

For more information about serving as a volunteer, call (908) 902-0769.