Services

Men's Shelter

Gathering Place began offering safe, dry shelter to men in the autumn of 2011. It is now housed on the second floor of our office building on Bourbon Street. Access to the living quarters is by means of exterior stairs in the rear of the building. We are currently limited to 10 men in this space.


We are in the process of renovating the building to the rear of the Emmaus Kitchen so that we may help more men. Once completed by November 2023, the number of men we can shelter will increase to 16. And the new space will be located at ground level so no more stairs. This will enable us to better help those with mobility problems.


Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate men with children at this time. However, we hope to meet this growing need by using the old men's shelter space once the renovation of the new space is completed.


All residents must first complete a screening with one of our staff and take a drug test. A “failed” drug test does not preclude residency but all residents must agree to be drug & alcohol free during their residency at Gathering Place. Residents are also subject to random drug tests while living here. Our rules are reviewed during the initial screening and all residents agree that violation of the rules are grounds for dismissal.

Women's Shelter (children)

In 2018 we leased a nearby residence and expanded to provide shelter to women who find themselves homeless for any reason. Women with children (girls any age; boys 12 & under) are also welcome here. We're able to serve up to 16 women/children in this space at any one time. Gathering Place is not responsible for child care and children may not be left alone at the shelter, nor in the care of other residents, under any circumstances.

There is a kitchen in the Women's Shelter where residents can prepare their own meals. Or they can visit Emmaus Kitchen for the daily meal served there.


All residents must first complete a screening with one of our staff and take a drug test. A “failed” drug test does not preclude residency but all residents must agree to be drug & alcohol free during their residency at Gathering Place. Residents are also subject to random drug tests while living here. Our rules are reviewed during the initial screening and all residents agree that violation of the rules are grounds for dismissal.

White Flag Cold Shelter

We provide life-saving shelter during cold weather season. The cold shelter is open every night between 8pm and 8am when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. There are separate spaces for men and women (and children). It is open to anyone who shows up at our door!


This year, in partnership with the Scott County Fiscal Court, the City of Georgetown and the Scott County School District, we have acquired an additional building (seen at right) so more can come in from the cold. We're working hard to have it open by the first cold day of the season.


The white flag cold shelter is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all work together to address the needs of our community.

Community Kitchen

We serve one hot meal each day for our residents and anyone else in need within the Georgetown area. You can choose to eat in our dining room, outside on picnic tables (weather permitting) or get the meal as carryout to take home. Meals are typically prepared and served by one of several volunteer groups who regularly join us in feeding our community. The meals are served at the following times:

  • Sunday 5:00pm
  • Monday 12:00pm (Noon)
  • Tuesday 6:00pm
  • Wednesday 12:00pm (Noon)
  • Thursday 6:00pm
  • Friday 12:00pm (Noon)
  • Saturday 12:00pm (Noon)

The kitchen is named the "Emmaus Kitchen" after a town mentioned in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. Luke reports that Jesus appeared, after his death and resurrection, before two of his disciples while they were walking on the road to Emmaus.

Spiritual Care

Daily devotionals are held each day at 7:15am and 9:00pm.

Bible study groups are conducted from 6:00-7:00pm on Monday

and 7:00-8:00pm on Wednesday.

Residents are required to attend these meetings unless working or otherwise excused by staff.

All residents are required to attend a church of their choosing each week. Central Church currently offers bus service for our residents to attend their Sunday morning services.

Other Resources

There may be times when Gathering Place is unable to serve you or meet your specific needs. Our community is blessed to have several other charitable organizations that we happily partner with in these situations. A list of some of these organizations are included below:


  • Amen House -- Food Pantry; Thrift Store -- https://amenhouse.org/
  • Elizabeth's Village -- Shelter for Women & Women with Children -- https://www.elizabethsvillage.org/
  • Still Waters -- Shelter for High School Students Over 18 Years Old
  • Transform Scott County -- https://www.transformscottcounty.org/
Share by: