The Shelter is directed entirely by students from Phillips Brooks House Association, Harvard's student-run public service organization. In addition to these volunteer directors, students from many Boston-area colleges and universities, members of the UniLu congregation, and others from the community help with meal preparation, cleanup, etc. each evening. Because it is staffed entirely by volunteers, it is the most inexpensively-run shelter in the state. The Shelter is funded by government and private contributions as well as donations from individuals. In 1997, the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter Corporation, an independent 501(c)3 organization, was formed to join University Lutheran in a campaign to improve the Shelter facilities. The Shelter is typically open from November 15 to April 15. Some Shelter beds are available on an emergency basis. To reserve a bed in the Shelter, call (617) 547-2841 at 7:30 A.M.