EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. — A New York program that houses the homeless in churches on winter nights is expanding into the Hamptons.

Maureen’s Haven has run for seven years, primarily on the North Fork of Long Island.

The first volunteer for its South Fork expansion is the First East Hampton United Methodist Church. It will host the homeless every other Friday.

Other churches say they’re waiting to see Maureen’s Haven in action before letting the homeless sleep in their sanctuaries.

The Peconic Community Council estimates there are 500 homeless people on the East End of Long Island. It says the total could be even higher due to the bad economy.