Dear Friends,
For many years, AFM has partnered with Magothy Methodist Church in Pasadena for volunteer staffing of the seasonal winter homeless shelter for the northern part of Anne Arundel County that rotates among churches with large sanctuaries. (The cots and kitchen are provided by Magothy since their facility is much larger than AFM; we aim to provide half the volunteers.)
This year, we’ve been asked to take a midwinter slot —March 16 through 23, 2026— and we also are invited to share with Methodists responsibility for providing some meals — particularly, the final Sunday meal on March 22.
Our sign-up spreadsheet is attached to this email. Please note there are two types of volunteer roles, corresponding with two tabs on the spreadsheet –one for meals, the other for overnight chaperones:
The overnight chaperone slots are either A) 1st shift – midnight to 6:00 am, or B) second shift- 7:00 pm to midnight. This is an easy role (other than staying awake) and a good time to quietly catch up on reading or emails or chatting quietly with another volunteer. Between 6 and 7, breakfast volunteers arrive and second shift chaperones can leave.
For meals, Magothy supplies plates, bowls, napkins, utensils, cups, ice, drinks and most condiments. It’s our discretion what to bring for breakfast and dinner. Lunches traditionally are made (bag lunches) by the dinner crew. If one/some Friend(s) could volunteer to coordinate some meals, that would be a wonderful thing. We will work with Magothy Methodist Church to fill the spreadsheet. If you have any questions, please email Phil Caroom at pcaroom@gmail.com. If you sign up to help coordinate meals, please put in the comments whether you are signing up as a lead or a helper.