United Church of Christ
Homeless Shelter
Old First was the first church in Philadelphia to open its doors to homeless Philadelphians back in 1984. Today, through a partnership with the Bethesda Project and the Student Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia (SREHUP), Old First’s Social Hall becomes “home” to 30 residents from November through April. Bethesda staff serve as night supervisors and provide the primary social services and case management. SREHUP students from area colleges and universities help with meals (when other groups organized by Old First are not providing a meal) and also volunteer overnights. They also raise money so SREHUP can help Old First with costs of the shelter and handle the men’s laundry. Old First provides the space and organizes outside groups to host dinners. Wellspring’s Volunteer Coordinator serves as a liaison to the church and coordinates volunteers.
To Volunteer
Volunteers serve and share an evening meal with the men of the shelter three or four times a week. Shelter dinners are great community-building opportunities: showing care, love and respect for our shelter guests who in turn welcome the volunteers into their home. Volunteers enjoy an opportunity for service and a meal with some really interesting dinner companions.
To schedule a date your group to prepare dinner with the shelter residents, please e-mail the Wellspring Coordinator (bamoscharron@oldfirstucc.org).