John's Place

Each year as fall approaches the Saint Agnes Church in Greenport, NY transforms its parish hall into a Winter Homeless Shelter known in our community as "John’s Place".

The mission of John’s Place is to show to all the Love of God by providing a safe, warm, dry place to sleep as well as giving our guests the opportunity to take hot showers, receive nourishing meals, and much needed warm winter clothing.

Our winter sheltering program was named after a dear friend and dedicated coordinator, John Bendick, who died suddenly at the age of 67.

Over 15 years ago, our Parish Council, responding to the words in Scripture, “Amen I say to you, whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt.25:40), approved the opening of our winter homeless shelter. In collaboration with Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach, we open our doors each Tuesday evening to 30-40 people who need a warm place to sleep with hot showers, meals, and clothing from November through April. We provide dinner, dessert, breakfast and a brown bag lunch to go. All guests are welcome with respect and kindness regardless of situation, origin, background or religion. Our volunteers are there to talk, listen, or simply be in the company of our guests so they don’t feel alone and remind them that God loves us all.

On Tuesday afternoons, our guests are screened at the Riverhead train station, given bus fare and arrive at St. Agnes around 5:00 PM. We have several different shifts that our volunteers, 18 years and older, can sign up for but essentially, volunteers are present before, during and after the guests’ stay to welcome, assist and provide for their needs. People of all faiths, backgrounds, organizations and various communities come forward to offer their time and talent.

Our Parish Hall is set up with areas for dinner, recreation and sleeping. Volunteers prepare individual toiletry boxes, cook and serve dinners, give lunches to go and prepare breakfast on Wednesday morning. Depending on monetary donations, we offer our guests new underwear, tee shirts, socks, thermals, gloves and hats on as need basis. Slightly used warm winter clothing such as jackets and coats are donated and offered to the guests.

We know very well that providing food and lodging to the poor is not the most important mission of the church. Because the most important is to announce the Love of God to the people. That is why we do not stop at the level of material goods. By our service we show our guests respect and love. Something they may never have experienced in their lives. We meet with them. We spend our time together. We dine with them at the same table, not separating ourselves from them, we watch TV together, we talk. We are always here for them to listen their stories, sometimes to console, to give hope, faith and love. To show them, that God exist and he loves us all.

Our Parish answered Christ’s words but we never could have imagined the lessons those less fortunate have taught us and continue to teach us – the constant appreciation for simple acts of kindness, for the determination to begin again, and when we fall on hard times…. Be it sickness, an injury, the death of a loved one or just a bad time, may we graciously and humbly accept the people God puts in our life to help us through. We have learned to be patient and tolerant and thankful for the gifts we often take for granted – our homes, health, loved ones and daily necessities (heat, a bed, a shower, using a toilet and washing our hands).

Would you like to join us and have the opportunity to become the hands and feet of Christ? Volunteers are usually assigned in October but a sub list is formulated for those who join us at a later date. You may call the Rectory at 631-477-0048 with your name and telephone number.

Financial Support: 
In 2020, a leaking roof had to be replaced for $25,000 and utilities to run the shelter exceeded $17,000. In 2021, we had to replace the floor and upgrade the electrical work as they were very outdated. To properly finish the renovations, we needed to paint the walls and ceilings. All renovations were necessary to provide shelter to those most in need during the harshest months of the year. Your continued donations have greatly supported our mission and we are most grateful. We pray for your continued support especially as we face continually rising energy and food costs.

Any donation to help support our mission would be a blessing. Our guests thank you and may God Bless You.

Click this link to our online fundraiser: https://gofund.me/16ebaa0e

update: September 2023