ESP has Opened the Doors

Last night the Emergency Shelter Partnership (ESP) began its seventh winter, with Temple Shaaray Tefila of Northern Westchester hosting. Six men spent the night.

(image from Bedford Pres. website)

We are founding partners with the program. Our turn to host will be Jan. 10-17, and Feb. 21-28, the nights of Monday through Sunday. If you would like to volunteer by providing a meal or serving as an overnight volunteer, please contact the church office.

Here's what our church website says:

Several years ago, a number of homeless men died in our area due to the cold. The Partnership was created to address this tragedy. The Emergency Shelter Partnership provides emergency shelter and meals for those who have no place to sleep during the coldest months of the year. PCMK is part of a coalition of faith communities and other organizations that have joined together for this mission.

About ESP: At a set time in the evening, those who need shelter for the night gather at the Mount Kisco police station. There, a van donated by the Red Cross transports the group to whatever congregation is hosting them for the week. Visitors get a hot meal and a safe, warm place to sleep. A bilingual staff member from the program stays with the group overnight. The next morning, after a light breakfast and coffee, the group is returned to Mount Kisco by van. Twice a week, the men and women in the group are taken to the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco, where they can take hot showers.

--Jack Lohr, Interim Pastor