The Gubbio Project
Shelly Roder and Father Louis Vitale founded the Gubbio Project in 2004.
The name is based on an old Italian tale about a group of townspeople who befriend a seemingly scary wolf only to learn that the animal is actually kind and gentle. It provides a suitable metaphor for the work of the organization.
Working with churches
The Gubbio Project works with local churches to provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness so they have somewhere safe to sleep. It started in San Fransisco but has inspired programs in other cities as well.
Peace in the storm – we need the rain & we need shelter from the rain. So grateful for the beautiful community at #StJohnsInTheMisson for opening their doors and their hearts to Gubbio & our guests who need a safe space to sleep. #SacredSleep ❤️🙏🐺🌈 pic.twitter.com/xbobCXYECf
— The Gubbio Project (@gubbioproject) October 22, 2021
Improving sleep
Lack of sleep is a critical health issue faced by those experiencing homelessness.
Shelters are often not considered safe places to fall asleep either. Many individuals report not wanting to fall asleep there out of fear of being robbed or attacked at night.
Most shelters close their doors during the day as well, unless a person has a medical condition. This means many experience a critical lack of sleep.
Thank you #HNTB for volunteering and making these beautiful warm hand made blankets for our guests at Gubbio❤️🐺🥰#SacredSleep #volunteers #SaturdayMotivation
when we work together with common purpose and care for each other we build a beautiful community. pic.twitter.com/lIbW7EwHSj
— The Gubbio Project (@gubbioproject) October 16, 2021
The Gubbio Project partners with St. Boniface church in San Fransisco.
Since shelters are closed during the day, the church opens its doors at 6 AM every weekday, giving people a safe place to sleep.
A heart felt thank you to all who have reached out & donated to Gubbio’s #SacredSleep at St.John’s in the Mission. Thank you @hknightsf for seeing the loving simplicity of our program – Gubbio is a safe space for people to sleep, slow down & build trusting relationships
❤️🙏🌈🐺 pic.twitter.com/IYg49NZqIp— The Gubbio Project (@gubbioproject) July 29, 2021
“An average of 225 unhoused neighbors seek safety and rest on the pews in the sanctuary of St. Boniface church each weekday starting at 6 AM,” the organization’s website reads.
“No questions are asked when our guests walk into the churches; in an effort to remove all barriers to entry, there are no sign-in sheets or intake forms.”
The beautiful simplicity of rest in a safe place is vital for physical and emotional health. #SacredSleep at St.John’s in the Mission pic.twitter.com/zlbYdYvFDi
— The Gubbio Project (@gubbioproject) September 2, 2021
The church is split into 3 sections.
During the week, the church is split into 3 sections. Those experiencing homelessness are able to use the back 2/3’s to sleep while the front 1/3 is used for daily mass beginning at 12:15 PM. Allowing individuals to remain safe and get sleep during daily mass is an important part of the program.
“They are in essence part of the community, not to be kicked out when those with homes come in to worship.”
“It also sends a message to those attending mass— the community includes the tired, the poor, those with mental health issues, and those who are wet, cold and dirty.”
Inspiring others to do the same
Other churches have followed suit and are also now offering their locations as a safe place to sleep for individuals who need it. London, Ontario’s Beth Emmanuel Church opened their doors during the winter. They turned rooms into a “warming center” for people to get out of the cold.
Church pastor Dan Morand noted that the program saw 40 people use the program on its first night.
We want to make a safe space for all our guests who come to sleep. Thank you @DOPEproject ‘s Kristen Marshall for training, supporting our team & loving our guests ❤️🙏🐺🌈#HarmReductionSavesLives #WeCarryNarcan pic.twitter.com/DZX3EpQ8DT
— The Gubbio Project (@gubbioproject) June 4, 2021
“That may not seem a lot to some people but that’s a lot of people outside,” he said to CBC News. “That’s not acceptable.”
In Niagara Falls, St. Andrew’s Church is running a program with funding from the Canadian government.
Created by Angela Peebles, the project hopes to “establish a new drop-in space where they [homeless citizens] can hang out, get warm or cool down in the summer, and access services they may need,” wrote the St. Catharines Standard.
Another program in New Jersey, titled Family Promise, works with local churches to provide shelter for families experiencing homelessness. They are able to help up to 5 families at a time.
Learn more about the project in the video below.
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