Cold Weather Shelter

Every year, St. Francis & St. Louis Pastorate supports the Grassroots Cold Weather and Emergency Shelter. We help provide food and service to help individuals and families in crisis.

Grassroots' Volunteer Requirements

2026 service dates:


Jan 26-Feb 8

By The Numbers: Shelter Impact

616

Homeless services clients served in FY 2025

$975

Daily cost to provide 3 meals for 75 clients

4 months

Length of time the shelter is operational

SUPPORT THE OUTREACH

We need YOU!

Donate Time

We strongly encourage all parishioners at St. Francis & St. Louis Pastorate to make a gift of their time to these families. It is incredibly impactful to see the faces of those in need.

Sign Up

Donate Funds

If you would like to support this outreach financially or are unable to give your time, you can make a donation to either St. Francis' or St. Louis' "Mission Support" account depending on which parish you are a part of.

Give

Volunteering?

  • 1. Complete Volunteer Application

    Visit the following link to complete your volunteer application form: 


    https://www.volgistics.com/appform/976884442


    *NOTE: Volunteers must be 15 years or older

  • 2. COVID Precautions

    For the safety of CWS clients, Howard County requires volunteers to either have proof of a COVID shot within the past year or wear a mask during their volunteer shift.

  • 3. Flu Precautions

    For the safety of CWS clients, Howard County requires volunteers to either have proof of a flu shot within the past year or wear a ask during their volunteer shift.

  • 4. ID Check

    Dining volunteers (that's you!) do not need a full background check. However, for the safety of those at the shelter, the Pastorate CWS Point of Contact will give your name and address to the Grassroots Volunteer Coordinator in order to run an ID check. Thank you for your cooperation!

  • 5. Confidentiality Form

    Grasroots requires volunteers to sign a confidentiality form. This form can be completed upon arrival at Grassroots or beforehand by printing and bringing with you. 

  • 6. Media Release Form (optional)

    You have the option to sign a media release form before volunteering for Grassroots.


    Please contact St. Francis Outreach for details: sfaoutreach8300@gmail.com

Contact Us

Questions? Please contact St. Francis Outreach & Service for more information.