Hope and Independence on Mass Ave

On this hot 4^th of July weekend, Akira, Berk, Brooke, Davy, Eddy, Julia, and Lynda came out to Mass Avenue in Boston, bringing many cool treats, food, and clothes to our friends on the streets. Most popular were the popsicles, cold waters, and fruit, but we also gave out many sandwiches, fried chicken, and clothing essentials like T shirts, shorts, underwear, and socks.

Independence Day is a great time for reflection. For colonial America, independence meant not depending on outside control or authority, to be treated as a sovereign entity. But what does it mean for a person on the streets? Perhaps it means the same thing. To not depend on others for food and shelter. To not depend on drugs to numb pain. To be treated as a human being with valuable thoughts, feelings, needs, and wants. To make for yourself the decisions that shape your life. For a nation and for a person, the idea of independence implies hope for a better future.

I see this hope on Mass Ave. I see it in Mark, who got a job at the shelter so he can save enough money to visit his family in Hawaii. I see it in Aaron, who is working two jobs, hoping that he’ll soon be able to afford an apartment. I see it in Adam, who has been thinking about going back to treatment for a while, and just this week told us he’s ready to take the next step. I see it in Ronnie, who shares his recovery journey with others, empowering them to feel worthy of healing. I see it in everyone on the Ave – our amazing volunteers, and all our friends we talk with each week.

The work we do spreads hope amongst our friends on the streets, and our outreach chips away at the stigmas surrounding homelessness, substance use and mental health disorders. Through our interactions on the Ave, we are strengthening the bonds of community in our city, but we can’t do it alone. Some of you may not like the America you read about in the news. Some of you may not like the America that you see on the streets. This America will not change unless you’re a part of it. Please join us to help create the supportive, kind, community-focused America you want to live in.