Each fall, as the weather turns colder, Saint Agnes Church in Greenport, New York transforms its Parish Hall into John's Place, a winter homeless shelter serving our neighbors in need.
Our mission is simple: to share the love of God by providing a safe, warm, and welcoming place to sleep. Guests receive hot showers, nourishing meals, warm winter clothing, and, most importantly, kindness, dignity, and compassion.
John's Place is named in memory of our dear friend and dedicated shelter coordinator, John Bendick, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67. His legacy of service continues to inspire our ministry.
More than 15 years ago, our Parish Council responded to Christ's words:
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Since then, in partnership with Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach, we have opened our doors every Tuesday evening from November through April to welcome 30–40 guests seeking refuge from the cold.
Each guest receives dinner, dessert, breakfast, and a bagged lunch for the following day. Regardless of their circumstances, background, or religion, every person who comes through our doors is welcomed with respect, kindness, and compassion. Our volunteers are there not only to provide food and shelter, but also to listen, encourage, and remind each guest that they are valued and loved by God.
On Tuesday afternoons, guests are screened at the Riverhead train station by Maureen's Haven and provided transportation to Saint Agnes, arriving around 5 PM. Volunteers, ages 18 and older, serve in a variety of shifts before, during, and after the overnight stay to welcome guests and meet their needs. People of all faiths, organizations, and communities generously share their time and talents in support of this ministry.
Our Parish Hall is arranged with separate areas for dining, recreation, and sleeping. Volunteers prepare individual toiletry kits, cook and serve dinner, pack lunches, and prepare breakfast on Wednesday morning. Through generous financial donations, we are often able to provide guests with new underwear, socks, T-shirts, thermal clothing, gloves, and hats. Donated coats, jackets, and other gently used winter clothing are also distributed as needed.
While food, clothing, and shelter are essential, they are not the heart of our mission. Our greatest calling is to share the love of God.
We strive to do this by treating every guest with dignity and respect. We sit together at the same tables, share meals, watch television, talk, laugh, and listen. We offer friendship, encouragement, and hope. Sometimes a conversation or a compassionate presence can be as meaningful as a warm meal or a bed for the night. Through these simple acts of service, we seek to reflect Christ's love and remind every person who enters John's Place that they are never forgotten.
Over the years, our guests have taught us as much as we have served them. They have shown us gratitude for life's simplest blessings, resilience in the face of hardship, and the courage to begin again. They have reminded us not to take for granted the comforts many of us enjoy each day—a warm home, a hot shower, a comfortable bed, good health, loving family, and daily necessities.
Their example has also taught us patience, humility, compassion, and the importance of accepting help when we ourselves face difficult seasons in life.
Become a Volunteer
Would you like to become the hands and feet of Christ?
Volunteer assignments are typically made in October, and a substitute list is maintained throughout the shelter season for those who wish to join later. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Saint Agnes Rectory at (631) 477-0048 with your name and telephone number.
Financial Support
Operating John's Place requires significant ongoing support. In recent years, the Parish has completed major renovations necessary to keep the shelter safe and functional, including replacing the roof, upgrading electrical systems, installing new flooring, and repainting the facility. In addition, rising costs for utilities, food, and supplies continue to increase the expense of operating the shelter each winter.
The generosity of our parishioners, neighbors, and donors has made this ministry possible, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
Any contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue providing warmth, nourishment, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
On behalf of all who find refuge at John's Place, thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your compassion.
May God bless you.
