We are called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and visit the imprisoned. So how can we help? When we meet someone who is homeless, when we hear someone’s in trouble or anyone looking for assistance; how can we help? What resources are out there? Here are some websites to know and a quick PDF to download and keep in your wallet to give to the person in need. Information is powerful so let’s honor this Lenten Season by learning how we can feed, cloth or inform someone in need and possibly help.
This view is a brief listing of some of the great charities out in our communities.
Abby’s House (Abused Women) – Started in 1976, they provide a safe place for woman with or without children to stay, rebuild and renew.
Catholic Charities – A wide assortment of help ranging from basic needs, education programs, elder & special need programs, family services, holiday assistance & school supplies, refugee, citizenship & immigration services to residential & shelter services. Check out this helpful chart outlining their current offerings. Contact info: 508-798-0191 or send an email to: info@ccworc.org
Compassion New England – A non-profit organization, which exists to spread hope & love throughout the community. They provide: vouchers for physical items which are redeemable in their thrift stores, various workshops & classes (GED prep, resume writing, job interview prep, art workshops, ESL etc.), a fuel assistance program, a food pantry & much more!
Crozier House (Substance Abuse for Men) – Substance abuse treatment, Halfway house, Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Daily Bread Food Pantry – Food can be left in baskets at the back of the Church each Sunday, or it can be taken directly to the Pantry on Monday evenings between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. Daily Bread has a rotating list of volunteers who deliver the food every Monday. Volunteers also help pack the food for clients or supervise on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Click here for more outreach information
Little Sister’s of the poor (Elderly) – housing in Somerville (permanent) – Resident needs to fit criteria—that he or she is at least 65 years of age with limited assets
Mass 211 (like 911 but dial 211) – Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services, an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don’t always know where to turn for help. The Solution is to Dial 2-1-1.
Massachusetts Detox Centers & Hopedale Rehab Programs - Medical detox programs provide the best path to sobriety for people with addictions and are designed to provide medications and therapy to manage symptoms of withdrawal. People enrolling in these programs provide their bodies with the opportunity to process leftover drugs/alcohol and return to a sober, successful level of function. That work is done in a safe, secure, and supervised in-patient or out-patient detox environment.
Milford Housing Authority – Housing authorities provide decent and affordable housing in a safe and secure living environment for low and moderate income residents.
Visitation House (Pregnant Women in Crisis) – 18+ (housing, food & emotional support)