Homelessness is difficult any time of year, but in the winter not having basic shelter and a warm and safe place to sleep is even more imperative. The Emergency Winter Shelter is open from January through March each winter. The winter shelter collaborates with First United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, and Chestertown Church of the Nazarene to provide the unhoused with overnight shelter. Kent County Department of Social Services and the Chestertown Police Department provide guest referrals.

During the winter, Samaritan Group can serve 15 guests at a time. In 2018 and 2019, we hosted an average of 25 guests total, providing around 1,000 bed nights. Each year we also provide our guests with dinners, breakfasts, and bag lunches to take with them each day. Efforts are made so that our guests can attend school and work, as well as have access to resources for other services. The shelters are primarily staffed by volunteers.