Church Partners
Churches are the heart of The Refuge
Our shelter has no single building — it lives in the congregations across Lapeer County who take turns opening their doors.
Stronger together
A shelter that rotates from church to church
From the very beginning in 2002, The Refuge has been a shelter without walls of its own. Instead, partner churches host our guests in turn — one congregation opening its doors for a week or two, then the next — so that through the whole cold season, our guests have a warm, safe place to sleep.
This is the church being the church: feeding the hungry, sheltering the stranger, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ in the most practical way there is. Businesses and community groups strengthen the network too — but hosting congregations are what make it all possible.
How Churches Serve
What partnering looks like
Every congregation is different — there's a meaningful role for churches of any size.
Host the shelter
Open your church for a week or two of the season — providing a safe place to sleep and a warm presence overnight.
Provide meals
Cook and serve dinner and breakfast for guests during your host week, or partner with a hosting church to feed them.
Send volunteers
Members serve as overnight hosts, meal servers, and friendly faces. No special training is required, but every volunteer must pass a background check.
Gather supplies
Run a donation drive for blankets, warm socks, hygiene items, and the everyday goods our guests need most.
Getting Started
How your church can join
We will walk with you every step — you don't need experience, just willing hearts.
- 01
Reach out
Contact us and tell us a little about your congregation and how you feel called to help.
- 02
Meet & plan
We will walk you through what hosting involves, answer questions, and help you pick a week that fits your church.
- 03
Prepare your team
Every volunteer completes a background check, and we provide guidance and support so your team feels ready and confident before your host week begins.
- 04
Welcome guests
Your church opens its doors, and together we share the love of Christ with neighbors who need it most.
Our Partners
Congregations who serve alongside us
Join us
Ready to partner with The Refuge?
Reach out and we'll help you find the right way for your congregation or company to get involved.