Homelessness

CDSP is committed to an atmosphere of welcoming and being welcomed by all people at CDSP, through the seminary’s educational, administrative and community endeavors.

Fundamental to any community are standards of behavior which guide the community’s response to routine, as well as to unforeseen, circumstances. The guidelines below are an attempt at agreement on such norms, to express the mind of the CDSP community with regard to offering hospitality to those who seek refuge on or near our campus.

• Shelter: No unauthorized persons are allowed to sleep on the grounds or in the buildings of CDSP. Buildings are to be open only to persons authorized to use such space (Parsons residents, Gibbs Hall guests, etc.). Individuals seeking shelter may be referred to nearby shelters, as well as daytime facilities, which offer meals, clothing, showers, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health and other services.
• Food: GTU Common Dining Service functions primarily for GTU residents, staff, faculty, and other students. Guests are welcome when they have been invited by residents, students, staff, or faculty, or when they have purchased a meal ticket. Those inviting guests are individually responsible for their guests’ behavior in following community standards at all times while using the facility. Those wishing to minister to the needs of persons living on the streets are encouraged to utilize public spaces for this work, such as restaurants in the Euclid Avenue area, or public shelters devoted to this ministry.
• Worship: All are welcome to join in CDSP worship services. Homeless people and their particular concerns will be remembered through cycles of prayer and special liturgies.