Craig’s Doors Celebrates 15 Years
Welcoming banner at the celelbration of Craig's Doors 15th Anniversary, Sept. 23, 2026. Photo: Josna Rege
About 75 supporters enjoyed pizza and cake at Mill River Recreation Area on September 23 as Craig’s Doors celebrated 15 years of serving unhoused people in Amherst. Craig’s Doors Board President Gerry Weiss told of how the late Ken Mosakowski, philanthropist and activist, approached the Amherst Select Board in 2007 and implored them to do something to help the homeless people in town. Weiss and fellow selectman Alisa Brewer got to work and eventually arranged for a “warming center” to open at the First Baptist Church. That nighttime shelter offered food, but guests weren’t allowed to lie down.
In 2011, the shelter expanded to allow cots for sleeping, but it was still only open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and only in the winter months. During the pandemic, Craig’s Doors expanded to an all-day, year-round shelter, offering many other services. The shelter has been located at several churches in town, but for the last five years it has been at the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Over its existence, Craig’s Doors has added services such as housing stabilization case management, referrals for community resources, survival supplies, showers, clothing donations, mail services, and WiFi and charging stations. In 2025, it provided 24,722 nights of emergency shelter and hot meals to 255 individuals, as well as 985 hotel stays during extreme weather for 132 individuals. The resource center has served 542 individuals, and sixteen individuals have found permanent supportive housing with help from Craig’s Doors.
The pavilion at Mill River was decorated with testimonials from people who had used Craig’s Doors. Executive Director Shari Carlson read some aloud, illustrating the lifeline the organization has been to many over the years. One comment said simply, “This is where I feel like a person.”
The celebration was emceed by Carlson, who took over the directorship last December. In addition to Weiss, speakers included Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Jeffrey Schulz (and his adorable dog Maple), Town Manager Paul Bockelman, State Representative Mindy Domb, State Senator Jo Comerford, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern Koby Gardner-Levine, Regional Director for Senator Ed Markey Jesse Lederman, and board members Matthew Berube and Michael Giles. The elected officials each presented Carlson with a commemorative certificate.
The board members stressed that, even though Craig’s Doors receives support from the state and many local organizations, it still needs donations to maintain its services. They urged the public to contribute through the website. They are also looking for volunteers to serve on the four-member board. Two board members, Gerry Weiss and Jim Lumley, have served on the board since its inception.
Carlson also thanked the staff and many Amherst residents who have volunteered at the shelter.
Craig’s Doors is named in honor of Craig D. Lorraine, a Navy veteran and talented street musician who, on one cold night when he arrived at a shelter, told a staff member, “Sometimes I just wish I had a door—a door I can close!” Sadly, he never realized his wish. He died in February 2011.
