Abraham's tent

Abraham's Tent is a cooperative effort between Columbus House and congregations of faith in greater New Haven, represented by Interfaith Cooperative Ministries.

Started in 2009 when a city funded shelter was destined to remain closed for the winter due to lack of funds, the immediate purpose was to find additional shelter for homeless people during the fast approaching cold season.  The Interfaith Cooperative Ministries ( ICM ) rallied congregations to open their facilities to house approximately a dozen men for one week during the season.  The response was immediate and over subscribed.  The experience for both the homeless "guests" and the members of the various congregations hosting them was character building and memorable.  Eleven our of the twelve guests were in permanent or transitional housing the following year, at least in part due to their Abraham's Tent experience -- an outcome that was never anticipated.

The threatened city funded shelter did open at the last minute in 2009 and was to be open again starting in 2010.  But the overwhelming success of Abraham's Tent, by every measure, during it's first year compelled that the program go forward.

 

How it works

Columbus House selects approximately twelve men that they believe are well suited to the Abraham's Tent program and who will benefit greatly from the experience.  These are the men who will visit the various congregations for the winter season. 

Each day, the men go to Columbus House at 4:00 PM.  They will wash, receive medications if necessary, see counselors if necessary, get clean linens on scheduled days, and store their belongings except for a small overnight bag.  They are taken to the hosting site to arrive at 6:00 PM.  The cots they sleep on are provided by Columbus House and are delivered each Monday morning to the host site of the week.

Once at the site, the guests enjoy a simple but nutritious meal with their hosts.  They help clean up after the meal and then settle in for evening activities.  Typically, there are some board games, a television, and possibly some DVD's to chose from.  Hosts join in the activities or conversations with guests.  Lights are out at 10:00 PM.  There are strict rules about alcohol, drugs, smoking, leaving the premises, and conduct.

You may click here to see the schedule of hosts for the year.

For more information or answers to your questions, please call ICM at 203-776-9526 or email icmoffice@yahoo.com