View Full Version : Are there churches that help along the way?
Im wondering if there is a list of churches on the AT corridor that have specific programs assisting thruhikers? anyone know? thanx, bill
Lone Wolf
08-10-2011, 07:57
a few have hostels but nothing specific for hikers. what kind of assistance?
generoll
08-10-2011, 09:45
what kind of assistance?
good question. I'd think that whatever denomination you profess would have lists of churches in the area with phone numbers. Get in touch with the head deacon and make your needs known to him. He can probably hook you up.
flyingturtle
08-10-2011, 10:16
www.churchseek.net
You can search by denomination and state to find contact info.
It's what I used to see if I could find a church of my denomination in trail towns so I could attend as I was passing through.
hikerboy57
08-10-2011, 10:41
do you need help with being saved, or just a few amenities?
max patch
08-10-2011, 11:12
I'm not sure what you are asking.
Back in the day many churches had free or donation only hostels. However, many thruhikers did not not how to be respectful guests -- drinking when no alcohol signs are posted, bringing in their dogs when no pets allowed signs are posted, using the preachers computer to look at porn, etc etc etc -- has pretty much put the kibosh to most of that. Churches that still offer hostels will be listed in the Companion.
Any hiker that needs a ride to a service can call a local church and they will have someone pick you up.
just thot it would be cool to hook up with the bros along the way...no denomination preferred. not looking for a rescue mission type of situation...it would make a good story for my hike
generoll
08-10-2011, 12:06
ok, kind of a free lunch sort of search.
Back in the day many churches had free or donation only hostels. However, many thruhikers did not not how to be respectful guests -- drinking when no alcohol signs are posted, bringing in their dogs when no pets allowed signs are posted, using the preachers computer to look at porn, etc etc etc -- has pretty much put the kibosh to most of that. Churches that still offer hostels will be listed in the Companion.
I can only think of two "churches" that closed their hostels. The Jesuits in Hot Springs, but I don't think it was related to hiker behavior and the one in Manchester Center, VT.
Lone Wolf
08-10-2011, 12:13
I can only think of two "churches" that closed their hostels. The Jesuits in Hot Springs, but I don't think it was related to hiker behavior and the one in Manchester Center, VT.the episcopal church in hanover
WingedMonkey
08-10-2011, 12:30
I can only think of two "churches" that closed their hostels. The Jesuits in Hot Springs, but I don't think it was related to hiker behavior and the one in Manchester Center, VT.
Graymoor friers no longer puts up hikers inside, or provide dinner, still allow camping in the ballfield, for now .
Texas Phlox
08-10-2011, 16:59
www.churchseek.net (http://www.churchseek.net)
You can search by denomination and state to find contact info.
It's what I used to see if I could find a church of my denomination in trail towns so I could attend as I was passing through.
flyingturtle, thanks for the link.
The Methodist (?) church in Damascus (nice biblical ring there) was still operating a hostel summer 2011.
4eyedbuzzard
09-15-2011, 21:22
There was a church run hostel in NJ that closed some years ago as well.
fireneck
09-16-2011, 14:40
I'm not sure what you are asking.
Back in the day many churches had free or donation only hostels. However, many thruhikers did not not how to be respectful guests -- drinking when no alcohol signs are posted, bringing in their dogs when no pets allowed signs are posted, using the preachers computer to look at porn, etc etc etc -- has pretty much put the kibosh to most of that. Churches that still offer hostels will be listed in the Companion.
Any hiker that needs a ride to a service can call a local church and they will have someone pick you up.
Wow. That really pisses me off. Ever since I was in high school I have had shoulder length hair, and a facial hair. I have never drank, smoke, done drugs.. yet people always assume I do. Sucks will once again be lumped into that group again. It's a shame people can't be respectful of the host's wishes, hikers are staying on their property after all.
ncmtns.. what comes to mind is the Presbyterian church in Delaware Water Gap, PA. There's a hostel right there.. just a couple bucks donation requested. And, I am told, if you are there on a Thursday night, the whole congregation cooks up a huge buffet picnic dinner for the thru hikers!
I'm a Believer myself and totally get you aren't looking for a free lunch, just some fellowhip. You find all kinds of little country churches along the trail, esp. in all these small towns. The only one I really connected to was the one in Troutdale about 30 miles north of Damascus, VA because they had a hostel, so some church folks were hanging around just to get to know the hikers, etc. Just ask around when you get to town if nothing is mentioned in the guide and you'll be able to go to services, or whatever, esp. if you hit town on Wed/Sun.
There was a church run hostel in NJ that closed some years ago as well.
The only church hostel I was ever aware of in NJ is in Vernon and they're still open to hikers.
I'm thinking of making a proposal at the ALDHA Gathering for lack of a better term, "ALDHA Care". It would be ALDHA members volunteering to help low cost or free/church hostels such as The Place and Kincora for week or two during peak hiker season. Anything from shuttling to cleaning to making sure fees are paid. It would be a free volunteer service that would include ALDHA's Endangered Services and Hike in Harmony Campaigns. The only thing required of the hostel would be a bunk or camp site.
CrumbSnatcher
09-16-2011, 23:18
the church hostels and the people were always very kind to my pooch and me, great memories