Amherst Congregate Shelter at the Immanuel Lutheran Church
Our emergency congregate shelter, Craig’s Place, operates year-round and is open 24 hours. Our shelter has a behavior-based admission policy: all who show respect for the safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, and staff are welcome.
At Craig’s Place, guests have access to a safe place to sleep, dinner and breakfast, showers, storage, and case comprehensive management services, including referrals to partner agencies that provide support to veterans, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and victims of domestic violence.
Hadley Non-Congregate Shelter at former Econolodge
In addition to our congregate site, we offer year-round non-congregate emergency accommodations at the former Econolodge in Hadley, MA. Like our congregate shelter, guests at the ECL have access to a safe place to sleep and basic amenities such as showers, storage, wifi, as well as meals. A motel-style shelter, the ECL provides our most vulnerable guests with private rooms (2 guests per room), along with consistent case management support to assist them with securing social services, mental and physical health resources, and housing.
Multi-Site Case Management
Craig’s Doors’ Case Managers work closely with guests at both Craig’s Place and our year-round motel sites to develop strategies and goals that meet their unique needs, support their long-term health and well-being, and connect them with permanent, supportive re-housing options. With an emphasis on trauma-informed care and harm reduction, Case Managers meet every guest where they’re at, and strive to maintain a culture of respect and perpetual positive regard. Through our Case Management department, guests have access to a wide network of partner service providers to connect them with resources at every level.
Resource Center & Day Program
Can you imagine walking around each day with no money and no home, and needing to carry all that you own on your back?
Although we are only funded for overnight shelter, our office trailer, located in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, has also served as a Resource Center for community members in need. At the Resource Center, guests are welcome to stop in, get warm, take showers, access wifi and charging stations, receive mail, and get help with applications and referral information. In addition to serving as a community hub, our Resource Center also houses our administrative office.
Community Breakfast
In partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst (UUSA), we offer a community breakfast every Wednesday! The breakfast is free, open to the public, and is cooked and served by dedicated volunteers.
Various agency partners are present to assist with needs such as case management, applying for MassHealth, Veterans services, youth services, and more. Join us on Wednesdays, at 121 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002.
‘Fare Access’ Bus Pass Program
Launched in 2023, the Craig’s Doors Fare Access Program provides free bus fare to all shelter guests, visitors to our Resource Center, and community members receiving resources and services at the Amherst Survival Center. Click here to read about the success of the program’s pilot year.