Springtime service with our neighbors on the streets

With temperatures climbing in Boston, more individuals on the streets are seeking our assistance. On Sunday, we provided 125 people with tasty items such as fresh fruit, brownies, banana bread, turkey, roast beef, cheese sandwiches, and more. Instead of handing out winter coats, we are now offering T-shirts, shorts, underwear, socks, and rain ponchos to help keep people and their belongings dry.

We've observed an increase in individuals experiencing skin infections and other untreated health issues. To address this, we've been directing them to the Barbara McGuinness House for medical treatment. Moreover, some individuals have requested our help in locating detox centers. We've successfully referred them to detox facilities and continue to follow up with them.

We are deeply thankful for our committed volunteers, whose compassion is the key to our success. This week, we were lucky to have Ronnie join our team. Ronnie exemplifies the importance of our mission. He has been sober for several months and is currently living in a halfway house. Ronnie expressed his wish to join us to help those still battling addiction. His kindness and deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in active addiction are incredibly valuable.

We also met Courtney, who asked for our assistance in finding her sister, who is struggling with addiction and is currently living on the streets of Boston. We plan to return to the streets on weeknights to help with the search.

We’re thrilled to have Jack (sporting a cowboy hat), Max, and Sam, exceptional volunteers from Boston College, join us. Their commitment to being out on the streets of Boston, even during school finals, embodies the Jesuit spirit. These three young men have dedicated their Sundays to assist us in helping those in need. Davy and Henry, your support was invaluable.

We also appreciate Annalisa Quinn, a journalist with the Boston Globe, for dedicating her time to highlight the important issue of addiction disorder and recovery. By bringing this subject into the open, we can slowly eliminate the stigma surrounding it.