Official Opening of The Salvation Army Emergency Overnight Shelter
December 16, 2025December 16, 2025
Official Opening of The Salvation Army Emergency Overnight Shelter
The Salvation Army, in partnership with nine local organizations and churches, will officially open an Emergency Overnight Shelter to serve the greater Newburyport area ONLY (Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley, and Byfield).
The team now includes 15 trained and certified staff members, meeting all MEMA and FEMA emergency sheltering requirements, and holding certifications in National Mental Health First Aid and First Aid.
Additionally, they have partnered with Emmaus House, Inc.. Marielis Batista, Manager of Rental Assistance and Permanent Housing Programs and North Shore Regional Navigator for Coordinated Entry, will work alongside us to assist unhoused individuals. Beginning in January, Marielis will also be available at The Salvation Army every second and fourth Friday in the cafe for community referrals from all agencies.
Shelter Details
• Available Opening Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
• Activation Criteria: Temperatures below 20°F (not including windchill) or by request from Mayor Sean Reardon during storms or severe weather
• Notification: Referring organizations will be informed by The Salvation Army via email and the Mayor’s Office; the City website will display a banner when the shelter is open
• Guest Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Referral Process & Requirements
This shelter is referral-based. If an individual is seeking shelter and the temperature is forecasted to be below 20°F, please refer them to Capt. Jessica Berkhoudt via email (jessica.berkhoudt@use.salvationarmy.org) with their full name and date of birth so we can register them for the evening.
• Location: The Salvation Army, 40 Water Street, Newburyport, MA (Fair Street entrance)
• Requirements:
o Valid ID and sobriety are mandatory. If an individual does not have an ID, an agency may provide a letter on official letterhead verifying the person’s identity
• A breathalyzer test will be administered prior to entry
Service Animal & Pet Policy
Only service animals are permitted inside the shelter. However, it is understood that many individuals seeking shelter have beloved pets. To support them, the Salvation Army has arranged temporary pet accommodations through the City Health Department offsite.
• Pets will be safely housed overnight and returned to their owners in the morning after their shelter stay
• This option may help alleviate concerns for those hesitant to seek shelter due to their pets
This initiative represents a strong community effort to provide safety and support during extreme weather conditions. Please feel free to share with others as you deem appropriate.
