New Hope Christian Fellowship in Federal Way is opening its doors to homeless families needing a place to stay overnight beginning Wednesday.

The church, 31411 Sixth Ave. S., will provide temporary shelter to homeless families needing a warm place to stay at night through the winter.

Sharry Edwards, co-chair for the Homeless Mothers and Children Initiative, said the shelter will be open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night through March. She said two families are already expected, but families can come to the church in the evening.

Last year, Mayor Jim Ferrell launched the HMCI, and the coalition’s primary goal has been to find a location for homeless families. Local organization Reach Out provides overnight shelter for men and women at local churches from October through March, but, until now, there has been nothing available for families.

New Hope Christian Fellowship already provides emergency shelter for men and women during inclement weather and offers showers and laundry services for the homeless during the week.

Edwards said about 20 people from Christ the King in Federal Way have volunteered to help operate the homeless families shelter at New Hope, but more are needed. Go to nh-cf.org/volunteer/ for more information on how to volunteer.