Three Wareham churches will open their doors starting on Jan. 5 for their annual Nights of Hospitality program which offers free dinner, bedding and breakfast to those seeking shelter from the cold.

Although the program has lasted for thirteen weeks in the past, it has been shortened to ten weeks this year.

“This is a critical year for us because we continue to need our volunteer base to grow,” said Pastor Dave Ferrari of the Bridge in Onset.

Although the number of guests varies, Ferrari said that there are usually between 10 and 15 people each night, and that number grows later in the season.

Nights of Hospitality provides a safe, secure and warm atmosphere for men and women over the age of 18 who are homeless or simply out of heating oil. A no-touch search will be performed on the personal possessions of each guest as they enter the shelter. Alcohol, non-prescription drugs and weapons will be confiscated.

The program is first come, first serve and open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night. 

Nights of Hospitality is a wet shelter, meaning that guests who are intoxicated may stay the night as long as they are not disruptive.

Wareham’s Nights of Hospitality will begin on January 5. 

The host churches are listed below with the dates they will be open:

Jan. 5 through Jan. 11: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave.

Jan. 12 through Jan. 18: The Bridge, 15 Highland Ave.

Jan. 19 through Jan. 25: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave.

Jan. 26 through Feb. 1: St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 84 High St.

Feb. 2 through Feb. 8: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave.

Feb. 9 through Feb. 15: St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 84 High St.

Feb. 16 through Feb. 22: The Bridge, 15 Highland Ave.

Feb. 23 through Feb. 29: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave.

March 1 through March 14: St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 84 High St.

The churches who run the program are in need of donations of sleeping bags, which serve as bedding for the guests. 

Ferrari said that the program is always in need of volunteers.

Volunteers can help check in guests, serve meals, or stay overnight at the churches.

Additionally, donations of meals are welcomed. 

The need for volunteers and meals varies week to week, so the best way to find out what is needed is to get in touch with the host church. 

For the Bridge, volunteers can contact Pastor Dave Ferarri by calling 508-295-3111 or emailing pastordave@thebridgeonset.org.

To contact Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, call 508-295-9268.

To contact St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, call Ken and Karen Silva at 774-302-6031.