The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (HSHS) first opened its doors to the homeless of Cambridge in 1983 in the basement of University Lutheran Church. Since that time, HSHS has undergone significant growth and transformation. Today, the Shelter provides 24 homeless individuals at a time with a safe, clean, and caring place to stay during the winter months. In addition to temporary shelter, HSHS also provides counseling resources and a transitional program for guests who are employed and committed to saving money towards securing housing. Open from November 15th until April 15th, HSHS is also the only homeless shelter in the country operated entirely by student staff.

In order to make these services possible, the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter relies on the generous financial support of donors in our community. The furnishings and equipment that make the Shelter a supportive and comfortable place need routine repair and replacement.  Washers and dryers, computers for the guests’ use, tables and chairs, even the institutional-quality mattresses wear out.  Add to these crucial needs the drastically rising energy costs and the result is a serious strain on the Shelter’s finances. If you would like to learn more about donating to HSHS, visit hshshelter.org or email us at is hshs@pbha.org

The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter is a member program of Phillips Brooks House Association, an umbrella organization of over eighty public service programs run by Harvard students.

The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter Corporation (HSHSC) was founded as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization to help raise funds for a large renovation project to improve the Shelter space at University Lutheran Church in 1999. HSHSC accepts donations from Individuals, corporations and foundations that otherwise may not donate to a church. The Corporation continues to raise funds for capital improvements and Shelter operations. HSHSC is honored to be part of the Harvard Square Business Association and is grateful for the grants from HSBA and the continued support for the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter from the businesses in the Square over many years. For more information about HSHSC, go to www.hshsc.or  or send us an email message at hshs@pbha.org.