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 at their organization or the
Chesapeake Cares Resource Center
Warm meals
Volunteer support
Compassionate presence

Become a Host Church/Organization

How Partnership Works

Host a Week (or a day)

Churches and local organizations open their doors for one full week, Wednesday to Wednesday. CAST handles the intake at the CCRC, while the organization provides meals, volunteers, and a safe overnight environment. This environment can either be at the host organization or the CCRC.

Help & Partner

For churches or organizations without the space to host, there is the opportunity to support a host organization by supplying volunteers, meals, donations, and/or support.

Support the Mission

Churches, community groups, businesses, and nonprofits can donate items, sponsor meals, or assist with supplies that support CAST.

Please note: The information shared in this video is intended for general informational purposes only. While the video provides a helpful overview of the Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (CAST), some processes and details may have changed since it was recorded. For the most current information, including updated procedures and contact details, please reach out via the “Contact Us” section of this website.

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 difficult times.

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 supplies

What Host Organizations Provide

Sleeping space (with approved fire marshal capacity)
This can be at your host organization/church or the CCRC
Morning, Evening, and Overnight volunteers
Breakfast, Dinner, and Packed Lunch Items
Access to restrooms
A safe, monitored environment
Morning send-off and cleaning

You can also include these optional activities or programs:

Games
Bible Study
Worship
Counseling Services
Haircuts
Crafts
Manicures
Tax/Legal Services
Career Development
Manicure/Nail Care
Prayer Stations
Digital Literacy Tutoring
Financial Literacy Classes
Parenting Classes/Support

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

Fill out the interest form below and our team will get in touch!
Schedule a walkthrough or volunteer training session
Explore ways your church or group can serve this season

Become a Host Church/Organization

Together We Make
A Difference

Thank you to the Chesapeake community of churches for hosting the CAST (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team) overnight winter shelter program for homeless men, women, and families. The 2025-2026 winter season marks the 15th year that CAST has provided shelter to the homeless. We serve over 500 guests each year.

Thank you to the CAST Coordinators at each church, along with their congregation and many community partners, that provide our homeless guests a safe and warm place to rest, eat, and gain resource information.

Special thanks to Shared Hospital Services for cleaning the blankets all thru the CAST sheltering season!