CHARLTON, Mass. — Tricia (Trisha) Gay, a board member of Saint Luke’s Guest House, addressed the Charlton Board of Selectmen on March 11 to raise awareness of the shelter’s regional services and to request support.

Gay said Saint Luke’s Guest House, located in Southbridge, has operated since 2013 and can house up to 12 people. The shelter accepts single adults and families, serves referrals from hospitals and social-service agencies and requires participants to meet with a case manager weekly, refrain from drug and alcohol use while in the program, and save a portion of earned income. “We do not allow drugs or alcohol. People have to work as part of the program. They need to meet with the case manager once a week,” Gay said.

She told the board the shelter does not receive state or federal funding and that monetary donations are the most helpful. Gay said the group keeps a needs list and can accept limited donated items; she offered to send the list to the town administrator for distribution and local publicity. Board members suggested coordinating collections and noted town social media could help publicize needs and donation opportunities.

Ending: Gay will provide the shelter’s updated brochure and a needs list to town staff; board members offered to assist with publicity and planned collection efforts ahead of the next winter season.