BOSTON — In an elegant church in one of Boston’s most chic shopping districts, homeless people from across the city gather once a week to express themselves in ways not possible when living on the streets.

As winter approaches, attendance at Common Art increases, and as many as 100 homeless and low-income people paint, draw, knit, sew, make jewelry or engage in other crafts that allow them to boost their self-esteem and make a little cash.

Chris Haubrich started coming to Common Art about 10 years ago when he was homeless and still comes regularly even though he now has an apartment.

“This is the place that saved me,” Haubrich said, dabbing at a colorful painting of a parrot. “This is my safety net.”

“I was a kid who grew up being told I couldn’t do anything,” he said. “I had no patience, and this has brought out my patience, given me focus.”

Common Art was founded in 1996 when a homeless person told a local pastor that he wanted a place to be creative, said Amanda Grant-Rose, executive director of Common Cathedral, the nondenominational ministry that oversees the program.

“This is an opportunity to escape from their day,” she said. “This is an opportunity for self-expression, and it’s an opportunity for income.”

The art is sold on the sidewalk outside the church, and every Sunday some participants travel to Boston-area churches to sell their work. Pieces can go for a few dollars to $50 or more.

Participants use the income for more art supplies, maybe a hot meal or even a night or two in a hotel when temperatures plummet, said Heidi Lee, the program’s artist-in-residence.