Security measures at the basement shelter will include close contact with the Cambridge police, a slight pat-down at the door to check for weapons, and the presence of three to four volunteers all night, with one always awake, Reisz said.
He added that he hoped the intake of people will take only 10-15 minutes, preventing a line from forming in the street.
Volunteers among Harvard undergraduates said they were enthusiastic about the effort.
"It seems like something that could work," said Jess A. Velona '83, co-coordinator of the undergraduate committee. "We have a lot to gain from it from the amount of impact we have on the issue, as people look at Harvard and what we do."
Guernsey said that the shelter has also received a great deal of support from churches and the Divinity School.
"We're folks who have a lot, and the folks we're dealing with have great needs," said Guernsey. He added, "It's something that can be a real boon to the community."