Upon This Rock Outreach · New Haven, CT

Built on Faith. Driven by Compassion. Restoring Hope.

Safe shelter, hot meals, and wraparound care for our unhoused and underserved neighbors in Connecticut.

Shelter doors open, every day of the year: 24/7Shelter doors open, every day of the year
Hot, home-cooked meals served: DailyHot, home-cooked meals served
Of your gift goes to the mission, not fluff: 100%Of your gift goes to the mission, not fluff
Rooted at 645 Grand Avenue: New HavenRooted at 645 Grand Avenue

The UTRM Warming Center

A safe, warm place to come in from the cold

When temperatures drop, no neighbor in New Haven should have to spend the night outside.

The UTRM Warming Center provides a safe, warm, and welcoming place for individuals experiencing homelessness or unsafe cold-weather conditions. Guests are met with dignity — a warm room, a place to rest, something to eat, and staff who help connect them with longer-term support.

Season: November 2026 – April 2027. Hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Admission is first come, first served. Co-ed. Call 204-535-0407.

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Location: 645 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
Season dates: November 2026 – April 2027
Nightly hours: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Who we serve: Co-ed · First come, first served

Our Mission

Every life matters. Every soul deserves dignity.

A refuge for the broken, a table for the hungry, a path toward restoration.

At Upon This Rock Ministries, we believe that every life matters and every soul deserves dignity, safety, and love. Our vision is to be a beacon of light in dark places — a refuge for the broken, a table for the hungry, and a path toward restoration for the unhoused and underserved in our community.

Our Vision

Upon This Rock community health care van serving New Haven neighbors

Programs & Services

Care that meets people where they are

Eight ways we serve unhoused and underserved neighbors across greater New Haven.

UTRM Warming Center

A safe, warm, and welcoming place to come in from the cold for neighbors experiencing homelessness or unsafe cold-weather conditions.

Safe Shelter

Clean, warm beds for men, women, and families who have nowhere else to turn.

Nutritious Meals

Hot, home-cooked meals served daily to those experiencing hunger and hardship.

Hygiene & Basic Essentials

Showers, toiletries, clean clothing, and dignity for our guests.

Mental Health & Recovery Support

Referrals, case management, and trauma-informed care to help break the cycle.

Family & Youth Services

Emergency housing and emotional support for displaced families and children.

Faith-Based Care

Prayer, encouragement, and spiritual restoration for those ready to rebuild from the inside out.

Housing Placement

Transitional and permanent housing navigation for guests ready for their own keys.

Community Resources

Employment pipelines, legal aid, benefits enrollment, and mentorship connections.

Stories of Impact

Real Voices. Real Change.

Read Their Stories

When lives are touched, stories are born — stories of breakthrough, of second chances, of hope restored. At UTRM, every bed, every meal, and every prayer leaves a mark on someone's journey. These testimonies are reminders that God is still moving, and that compassion truly transforms.

Richard "Lucky" Hernandez

“I am incredibly thankful to Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. for providing me with a safe place to stay until I was able to get into permanent housing. They helped me with my substance abuse and kept me focused on my journey to recovery. Special thanks to my case manager, Arlette, who never let me give up hope, and Ms. D for always offering an encouraging word when I needed it most. Upon This Rock Outreach has been a guiding light in my life, and without them, I would still be lost. I thank God every day for their support and love.”

Christopher M. Goff

“Hello, my name is Christopher M. Goff. Like many of you, I have seen the ups and downs of my life! I have struggled and made ways due, even by means of hurting someone, and experienced homelessness. I have cheated and lied a lot in my lifetime! The days went by slowly as my stress progressed. Never did I think I would be the man to sit here and talk to you guys, but I am grateful! I haven’t felt this type of depression in a long time, but I learned how to move forward! I am a simple, humble father and dad, true to my word! Faith will carry you a long way, and believing in yourself is proof! Upon This Rock helped me become an even better person than I already was. They helped me with shelter and helped me obtain housing so my children could come and stay with me. In my past, I blamed people for my own failures in life. I even went as far as not being able to see myself as a respected man. Life is a challenge we may not be ready for, but I’m here now! Taking the time to understand your own flaws and the things we need to do as humans is important to becoming successful in our own minds. The blessing that you want, need, and crave is here—just look inside yourself! Loving yourself and accepting the past are equally important. Do not give up on yourself. Believe—just like I did! If there is something wrong in life, there is also something positive. Learn, love, and grow. Become somebody to yourself first, and then become somebody to someone else in this world! Be blessed. I’m truly grateful for all the help this program has provided, including case management and the available wraparound services. Thank you, Chris”

Nestor Olmo

“I am grateful to Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. for welcoming me with open arms when I arrived from Florida with nothing and no family. From the moment I stepped into the shelter, I gained a new family. I’m so thankful for the support from Pastor Val and Ms. D, who were there for me through my recovery after having my skull put back on and helping me secure housing. Arlette, who is currently helping me find a job, continued to support me even after I obtained housing. The prayers from Nana, a Rosa staff employee, in the mornings mean the world to me. Thank you all for being my new family.”

Christopher Lawrence

“I enrolled in the shelter in April 2025, upon this rock is amazing, The shelter has giving me an opportunity to have a different outlook on life and that anything could be possible. It gave me hope, I've been able to receive case management, health services, they have support me from The day I've enter the program it's been wraparound support. I've been able to receive my own one bedroom. I'm truly inspired. I want to give a special thanks to everyone. I appreciate you all”

Eric Nunn

“I'm extremely grateful for Upon This Rock. There was a time when I felt lost and without hope and could barely see myself staying afloat. I'm grateful to Mrs. D, Pastor, and Mrs. Cassie for seeing greatness and potential in me. To my boys Wayne, H, and everyone else who has become like family to me—thank you. I've been fortunate enough to find this amazing program, and since then, so much has changed in my life. I've been able to move into my very own newly renovated apartment in a great neighborhood. I'm now employed full-time with the shelter as an Environmental Service Associate, I've obtained my Connecticut driver's license, and there is much more to come. I'm truly grateful. Thank you for everything. With love, E”

Read Eric’s Story

“When I had nowhere to go, UTRM gave me more than shelter — they gave me a reason to believe again.”

— Former Guest

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Our Community Partners & Sponsors

We are grateful for the organizations, businesses, and community partners whose support helps Upon This Rock Outreach serve individuals and families throughout our community.

Volunteers serving with Upon This Rock Outreach

Get Involved

Be the Difference. Be the Miracle.

Behind every warm bed, every hot meal, and every life restored is someone who chose to care. Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice — you become part of something eternal. At UTRM, we believe that the body of Christ thrives when we link arms in love and action. Your involvement isn't just helpful — it's holy.

There's a place for you here. Whether you're a volunteer, a donor, a business partner, or a church ready to serve, your hands can help heal, your presence can bring peace, and your love can change a life.

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