Christ Church Outreach

Over the years, Christ Church has actively sought to be of service to others through a number of programs. Two outstanding examples which have survived and grown are the Holley Center, a home for emotionally disturbed children built on land adjacent to the Church, and the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless of Bergen County of which Christ Church was a founding member.

Our most recent undertaking has been Peter's Place, a no questions asked safe haven to give homeless people a place to stay overnight during the months of November through April. As a joint effort with the Interreligious Fellowship (IRF) Peter's Place opened in the Christ Church Parish Hall in January 1996. In 1997 the Christ Church Community Development Corporation was formed to serve the community. Beginning with Peter's Place, in continued partnership with the IRF, who coordinate the volunteers.

The NEXT STEP program provides support and referral services to individuals who seek to make changes in their lives. Hours for the summer are posted on the door of the parish house, and are essentially Tuesday through Friday mornings. Phone Christ Church for more details.

The projects mentioned above are only some highlights of Outreach at Christ Church. We are open to new ideas and welcome helping hands and loving hearts.

December Outreach Focus

Peter’s Place

Safe Haven for the Homeless

at Christ Church

For the six coldest months of the year (November—April),
since January 1996, Christ Church has provided shelter to
our homeless neighbors. We currently house up to 41 persons
per night in our Parish Hall and our annex location at
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. In addition to shelter
from the cold, we provide an evening meal, breakfast, toiletries,
showers, clothing, counseling and referral, and a mailing
address. We have helped many guests attain permanent
housing, and provide supportive services to help keep them
there.

We’re collecting:

• Travel-size toiletries
• New men’s and women’s underwear
• Athletic socks (men’s and women’s)
• Scarves, knit caps, gloves and mittens