Each year, the churches hosting Nights of Hospitality, the program which gives Wareham's homeless a place to sleep during the winter months, have to undergo safety inspections in order to operate as temporary shelters. In an effort to help the cause, inspectors have waived the $100 fee normally paid by owners of commercial buildings.

"It's a great thing that the churches are doing for the entire town," said Director of Inspectional Services Myles Burke during an inspection of the Emmanuel Assembly of God in Onset.

Health Agent Bob Ethier, Electrical Inspector James Parker, and Onset Fire Captain Howard Andersen were also on-hand for the inspection.

"It is a positive thing that the town and the churches are working together to help the homeless population," said the Rev. Colon Wright, of the Emmanuel Assembly of God. Wright gave kudos to Ethier, who he said "spearheaded" the inspection process and helped the churches to meet the requirements of the inspections.

Among other safety checks, inspectors make sure that proper signage directs occupants to fire exits, that exits are well-lit, and that alarms are functioning to alert occupants of any dangers.

Nights of Hospitality is open to men, women, and families in need of a warm place to spend the night. Churches open their doors from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. nightly. Anyone in need of a ride to the hosting church can stop by the train station on Merchants Way in downtown Wareham from 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. each day. Wareham Police will provide transportation to the church and a ride back to Merchants Way the following morning. The program runs until March 19.

See below for a full Nights of Hospitality schedule.

Nights of Hospitality schedule:

Jan. 2 - 8: Emmanuel Assembly of God, 15 Highland Ave., Onset

Jan. 9 - 15: Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham

Jan. 16 - 22: Heaven's Gate Christian Church, 3090 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham

Jan. 23 - 29: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave., Wareham

Jan. 30 - Feb. 5: First Congregational Church, 11 Gibbs Ave., Wareham

Feb. 6 - 12: Emmanuel Assembly of God, 15 Highland Ave., Onset

Feb. 13 - 19: Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham

Feb. 20 - 26: Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave., Wareham

Feb. 27 - March 5: First Congregational Church, 11 Gibbs Ave., Wareham

March 6 - 12: Heaven's Gate Christian Church, 3090 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham

March 13 - 19: Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham