Community Partners
Serving Chesapeake Together

Providing hope to those in need.

CAST is a network of churches and community organizations that take turns hosting overnight winter shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Each partner provides:

A safe space
A warm meal
Volunteer support
Compassionate presence

How Partnership Works

Host a Week

Churches and local organizations open their doors for one full week, Wednesday to Wednesday. CAST handles the intake at the CCRC, while the church provides meals, volunteers, and a safe overnight environment.

Help & Partner

For churches or organizations without the space to host, helper partners support a host church by supplying volunteers, meals, donations, or transportation support.

Support the Season

Community groups, businesses, and nonprofits can donate items, sponsor meals, or assist with supplies that support all shelters throughout the winter.

Why Partnerships
Matter

CAST cannot exist without the commitment of local churches and organizations.
Every warm meal, every sleeping mat, every overnight volunteer is an act of compassion that gives a neighbor safety and dignity during the coldest nights of the year.

Include short real notes like:

“Families are reunited with case managers.”
“Guests receive pathways to housing resources.”
“Volunteers build trust through consistent presence.”

What CAST Provides

Centralized guest intake at the CCRC
Breathalyzer screening and safety procedures
Transportation to/from the host site
Registration system and guest agreement process
Guidelines, training, and support from the CAST Director
Mats, blankets, and essential supplie

What Host Organizations Provide

Sleeping space (with approved fire marshal capacity)
Evening volunteers
Dinner and breakfast
Access to restrooms
A safe, monitored environment
Morning send-off and cleaning

You can also include:

Optional activities or programs

Stories from our Partners

"Hosting CAST has become one of the most meaningful parts of our church’s year. We thought we were opening our doors to help others, but what we discovered is that our hearts were transformed in the process. Sharing meals, hearing stories, and creating a safe place for our neighbors reminded us why the church exists in the first place. It’s not just a program. It’s ministry at its purest.”"

Robert Rose, Lead Pastor

Ready to Partner?

Becoming a CAST partner is straightforward, and we walk with you through every step.

Host organizations typically provide:

A safe indoor space for sleeping mats
A current fire marshal inspection and approved capacity
Volunteers for evening, overnight, and morning shifts
Teams to prepare and serve dinner and breakfast
Restroom access and a clean environment
Willingness to follow CAST’s established safety and intake guidelines

Helper churches or partner organizations can step in with:

Meal support
Volunteers
Supplies or financial contributions
Coordination assistance for host churches

No church or organization is too small to make an impact. CAST’s structure allows partners to contribute at the level that fits their resources.

Next Steps

Whether you want to host a week, support another church, or sponsor resources, CAST will provide training, materials, and ongoing support

Contact us below to begin the conversation
Request the Host Church Agreement or partnership details
Schedule a walkthrough or volunteer training session
Explore ways your church or group can serve this season

Community Partners Serving Chesapeake Together