Operation Nightwatch

Operation Nightwatch pulls homeless people out of doorways, finds them shelter and food, and gets them started on the road to recovery. Operation Nightwatch began in 1967 with ministers, nuns, and other religious workers from various churches taking turns going out on the streets, visiting bars and shelters, simply being a presence late at night. In the 1970s Nightwatch became a place for homeless people to be dispatched to shelter. Now about 85homeless people are served nightly. Shelter is provided off-site for men every night.

Volunteers help homeless people by preparing and serving meals at night, assisting with placing homeless people into area shelters, distributing essential supplies, and listening to the stories homeless people have to share. We do not require any religious activity on the part of clients or volunteers, though we are broadly Christian. Operation Nightwatch also provides support to our 24-unit senior apartment building. Volunteers can provide a variety of support services for individual senior tenants, most of whom have experienced homelessness prior to arriving at Operation Nightwatch. This support might include light chores, trips to the store, friendly visits, gardening/outings together.