FAQs
About Staying Overnight at The Warming Place
Do you serve meals?
A hot dinner and cold, takeaway breakfast is served each evening and morning.
Is overnight shelter available every night?
The overnight shelter is open every night between November 1st and April 30th.
How many people can stay overnight?
The capacity is 20 overnight guests.
Is there a limit to how many nights someone can stay?
No! There is no limit to how many nights a guest can stay at The Warming Place.
What time is check-in?
Check-in is between 6:00pm and 7:00pm each evening.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
No, there is no need to sign up in advance. Simply come to the shelter between check-in hours of 6:00pm and 7:00pm.
What happens if the shelter is full?
At this time, the capacity is 20 overnight guests.
Is the shelter separated by gender?
Yes, the shelter is separated by gender, and you must be 18 or older to stay the night.
Is the shelter safe?
Yes. The Warming Place is safe and staffed by a dedicated team, many with healthcare backgrounds trained in CPR, first aid and additional skills through Homeless Training Institute.
Daytime & Basic Needs
Are meals available during the day?
Lunch is served on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 1PM at the Summer Street church.
Can I shower or do laundry?
Yes. Laundry cards for Holdgate’s Laundry are distributed to guests once a month. A shower program is available at the request of our guests.
Do you provide clothing, coats, or boots?
Yes. If a guest is in need of a coat or boots, we do supply them. Clothing can be had at the Seconds Shop at no charge for guests.
Are hygiene supplies available?
Yes. Toothbrushes, tooth paste, deodorant and shampoo are available at the shelter.
Can I get help with groceries?
Yes. Weekly Stop & Shop gift cards are distributed.
Support & Services
Do you offer case management?
We offer referrals to partner organizations including the Hospital, Fairwinds, Addiction Solutions, Nourish Nantucket and the Family Resource Center.
Can you help me find housing?
We can help you fill out applications to housing programs on Nantucket and on the Cape.
Can you help with transportation or referrals?
The Wave offers free transportation on the island. Other needs will be considered.
Community & Support
How is The Warming Place funded?
Through generous grants and private donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.
How can I support The Warming Place?
Give a financial gift, support our shelter by purchasing supplies directly via our Amazon Wishlist and sign up to be a volunteer.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! Send a message to info@thewarmingplace.org and our shelter manager will send you a link to register for volunteer shifts.
Does The Warming Place accept donations of food or clothing?
Not at this time. Please direct gifts of food or clothing to the Food Pantry, the Seconds Shop, or the Hospital Thrift Shop, all of whom we work closely with to provide much-needed items for our guests; alternatively, you may support us through our Amazon wishlist or by donating grocery gift cards.
Seasonal Programs
Are you open year-round?
The emergency shelter is open nightly from November 1st through April 30th, with day shelter services offered twice a week.
The Summer Outreach Program begins May 1st and includes lunch, grocery and laundry gift cards, and continuity of care.
What is the Summer Outreach Program?
The Summer Outreach Program offers guests year round opportunity to have access to grocery and laundry assistance, meals and support.
Eligibility & Expectations
Who can stay at The Warming Place?
Individuals 18 and older.
Are there rules guests must follow?
Yes, there is an expectations agreement that must be signed by guests when they first visit the shelter.
Can I stay if I have a job?
Yes, anyone without shelter can stay.
Can I bring my belongings with me?
You can bring your belongings to the shelter but they must leave with you in the morning.
contact us
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions, fill in the form and we’ll get back to you with all the answers you need.