The Isle of Wight County Mission of Hope Emergency Shelter has had low numbers of guests so far this winter but is continuing to provide food and shelter to homeless individuals in various churches throughout Smithfield and Surry through March 30.

There have been anywhere from one to four individuals on most nights, according to an email update on the shelter.

“It is not about the low numbers,” the update stated. “It is about having a place for individuals who need a place to lay their head down at night, get decent meals, baths, and get from point A to point B.”

The mission has helped place several people in permanent housing since they first came to the shelter, the update stated. Providential Credit Care Manaagement Inc. has partnered with the shelter to help one individual obtain an updated identification card.

Donations of time or food to the ministry are still needed and can be arranged by contacting one of the churches on the list. Volunteers to stay overnight at the church are also needed.

Hosts so far have included Smithfield Baptist Church, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Little Zion Baptist Church, Main Street Baptist Church and First Gravel Hill Baptist Church.

Future hosts are:

• Feb. 16-23: Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 300 Smithfield Blvd., Smithfield
• Feb. 23 to March 2: Bacon’s Castle Baptist Church, 88 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry
• March 2-9: Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar St., Smithfield
• March 9-16: Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benn’s Church Blvd, Smithfield
• March 16-23: Smithfield Christian Church, 18420 Battery Park Road, Smithfield
• March 23-30: Smithfield Assembly of God Church, 1800 S. Church St., Smithfield