Our Lady of Salem Shelter for Women

a respite for those experiencing homelessness

Twelve years ago, a group of faith leaders responded to a desperate need in our community — a safe place for those experiencing homelessness to stay during the coldest winter months. St. Timothy’s was among the first churches to say yes. Yes, we would offer radical hospitality to those who needed it most.

And thus began our journey serving the neediest of women in Winston-Salem from December 1 through March 31 each year. Much has happened during the past 12 years. A non-profit organization City With Dwellings (CWD) grew out of this effort to protect the most vulnerable among us and it continues today, searching for solutions to the ever-growing number of people who have nowhere to go. Additionally, a Lutheran-Moravian church The Dwelling also sprouted from the seeds of supporting our neighbors.

During the 2023-2024 season, CWD, St. Timothy’s longstanding partner, decided it needed to focus on creating long-term solutions to homelessness. Such an immense undertaking could not coincide with the tremendous effort required to provide shelter to those experiencing homelessness each night throughout the winter.

So, we pivoted. St. Timotheans supported CWD’s White Flag Shelter, which provided meals and housing for both men and women when the temperatures dipped below 32°. And St. Timothy’s opened Saturdays at St. Timothy’s twice per month, providing 24-hour care to women in need.

And while we were grateful to continue our work with women experiencing homelessness, it was obvious that neither White Flag nor Saturdays at St. Timothy’s was enough. Our guests, many of whom have counted on St. Timothy’s since our opening, were left without the safety, warmth, and care our shelter has consistently provided. Women suffered.

As a result, Shelter at St. Timothy’s will open again this coming winter every night for a shorter season — from December 1 through February 29. We will again serve as a beacon of light when the nights are at their longest.

 The shelter will run the same as it always has with volunteers providing hospitality, meals, and to-go bags for the following day. However, we will need to fund the shelter ourselves. Each night we pay professional monitors to keep watch over our sleeping guests so they can get the rest they so need. Thankfully, we will partner with The Dwelling who will provide check-in and transportation from Augsburg Community Center to St. Timothy’s each evening and morning.

Shelter at St. Timothy’s will open on December 1. As the time draws near, a sign-up will be set up for volunteers. We are currently reaching out to our church neighbors for financial support as well as applying for grants. If you would like to support Shelter at St. Timothy’s, please make a donation here.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the most vulnerable women in our community.

Questions? Please reach out to Kristen Machado, kpmachado@gmail.com, 310-913-9911