The volunteer-powered Houses of Grace winter shelter system has opened for its third season. “If I didn’t have this, I’d be sleeping around a fire, bundled up,” said Derek MacLeod.

State budget cuts have resulted in the elimination of a part-time housing counselor for the coming year. Advocates for the homeless say the position has been critical in addressing the unique problems around housing security on the Island.

Beginning in January, seven nights a week, three churches will provide shelter and meals to men, women and families who need a place to get in out of the cold.