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Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues

This guide showcases organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

Photo credit: Matt Vasquez via Lightstock

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Boston is home to an array of initiatives dedicated to tackling social issues. Many churches and Christian organizations are at the forefront of addressing these needs. Some have been serving for decades. Others are new.

This guide showcases Christian organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

Organized into over a dozen categories, this guide lists many organizations engaged in this work. Whether you want to collaborate, network, volunteer, or learn more about what God is doing in our city, we hope this guide serves as a valuable resource.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. Don’t see a Christian organization you think should be included? Feel free to contact us to suggest any additions.

  • The Boston Project

    “The mission is to engage and equip neighbors, volunteers, and congregations to build strong communities characterized by God’s shalom. 

    “Shalom means wholeness, peace, well-being, righteousness, and justice.”

    The ministry applies “community-building strategies that include strengthening youth and families, developing leaders, multiplying collaborations, and investing in corner-by-corner transformation resulting in a more green, healthy, safe, connected, and economically-empowered neighborhood.”

    For more on their youth programs, see "Youth" below.

    Cory Johnson Program for Post Traumatic Healing

    “The Cory Johnson Program for Post Traumatic Healing is a Christ-inspired, community-based, clinically-supported 501c3 program of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center that offers a peer-centered approach to addressing post-traumatic stress in urban neighborhoods.” The program fosters connections and empowers individuals to take active roles in helping themselves and others heal. The main outreach of the Cory Johnson Program is  the Can We Talk Network, which has several sites in Boston.

    • Can We Talk Roxbury: “This program component offers a safe, sacred space for people to share their stories of trauma, loss, grief, and hope in words, poetry, or song. Artists in residence offer their creative expressions, and Community Companions offer support. It is a place for listening, and people experience individual and community healing.” Other support groups are also available.

      • Contact: Danielle McFarlane, dmcfarlane@rpcsic.org

      • Location: Roxbury Presbyterian Church, 328 Warren St., Boston, MA 02119

    • Codman Square Can We Talk? A partnership with the Boston Project Ministries, Life Church Boston, Second Church of Dorchester, and Neighborhood Church of Dorchester. “Codman Square Can We Talk? is a safe place to share your story and have your voice heard and welcomed. It is a community-based, clinically-supported program that increases awareness and understanding of trauma, offers mental health resources, and a safe environment for what can at times be painful conversations to occur.”

    • Peace by Piece: Fourth Presbyterian Church

    • Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Boston (Common Cathedral)

    Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative

    “The vision of Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative is to develop an integrated strategy that draws from the strengths of current trauma healing programs (both locally and nationally), to train and equip churches and communities to become more trauma-informed as they respond to wounded people and unacceptable realities that are often rooted in trauma. . . . 

    “This integrated strategy includes a collaborative effort between BTHC, as a local partner with the American Bible Society and the Trauma Healing Institute, and the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing and their Can We Talk… Network, which will help encourage churches and non-profit organizations to work together to bring healing to those wounded by trauma.”

    Others

  • Hagar’s Sisters

    “For an individual who has experienced the life-shattering effect of domestic abuse, Hagar’s Sisters is a non-profit organization that offers holistic services that empower them to find healing and a new healthy way of life that is free from abuse.” 

  • Boston Education Collaborative

    The Boston Education Collaborative (BEC) is an initiative of the Emmanuel Gospel Center which recruits, trains, and connects church volunteers with underserved schools to address disparities in educational opportunities.

    The BEC “empowers churches, schools and non-profits to support underserved urban students. BEC helps students thrive in all areas of life by nurturing and supporting church-school partnerships; facilitating and encouraging neighborhood-focused involvement; engaging in systems level work; and participating in broader networking, coaching, and learning opportunities.”

    Boston Higher Education Resource Center (at Congregación León de Judá)

    Mission: “The Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) functions to equip first-generation youth of color to access and thrive in higher education, to break the cycle of poverty, and to become agents of change in our communities.”

    The Passport Curriculum is designed to equip 11th and 12th-grade students to navigate the college admissions process and the college world successfully while gaining and developing their academic and leadership skills. The center offers both in-school programs and a community-based program at 62 Northampton St. These programs are far more extensive than typical after-school tutoring programs.

    American Chinese Christian Educational & Social Services, Inc. (ACCESS)

    Mission: “ACCESS seeks to empower, encourage, & motivate immigrants to build confidence, gain skills, and the ability to make positive changes within their own lives.”

    Vision: “We want to see our Chinatown neighbors thriving and building bridges across languages, cultures, and generations in God's love.”

    Their programs include K-5th grade enrichment afterschool and summer programs, adult fitness as well as arts and crafts programs in Tai Tung Village.

    • Leadership: Pasang Drolma, executive director; Annie Tran, director of children and families

    • Website: chinatownaccess.org

    • Email: info@chinatownaccess.org

    • Phone: (617)-426-1070

    • Location: 244 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111

    Victory Generation 

    Victory Generation Programs of the Black Ministerial Alliance/Ten Point, a network of faith-based, out-of-school educational enrichment programs.

    Mission: “Our mission is to empower and strengthen out-of-school program leaders and their staff who serve as role models and the front-line to the children and families we wish to serve. In addition to building impactful and qualifiable programs for students, we also provide workshops and training to empower parents in advocating for their children and fostering positive school relationships.”

    • Leadership: Rochelle Jones, director of education

    “Victory Generation directly aids out-of-school programs dedicated to nurturing, strengthening, and enhancing the social, emotional, and cognitive development of Boston's youth aged 5 – 12. As an intermediary, we support our affiliated programs by enhancing their organizational and programmatic capabilities. Our assistance includes networking, financial aid, professional development workshops, and technical guidance.”

    • Sites

      • Twelfth Baptist Church After-School

        • Leadership: Darryl Simpson, program director

        • Website: tbcboston.org

        • Email: dsimpson@tbcboston.org

        • Phone: (617) 427-5158; main line: (617) 442-7855, ext. 121

        • Location: 160 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119

        • Hours: Monday - Friday, 2-6 p.m.

      • Greenwood Shalom After School Program (a Victory Generation site)

        Greenwood Shalom offers a range of enriching activities designed to engage and inspire students. These include tutoring, homework assistance, interactive online learning using Lexia, art, music, STEM projects, physical fitness, social emotional support, field trips, play, and test prep.

    • Programs

      • After-school enrichment program for children ages 5 to 13.

      • Summer enrichment program

      • English Language Arts Bootcamp: A full day program in February vacation week.

      • Math Bootcamp: A full day program during April vacation week.

      • Saturday Online Academy (10 a.m. - noon): Designed to uplift and empower students who may face barriers to traditional academic and emotional support.

      • Healing Hearts Club Camp: A transformative five-day program designed to provide healing and support for children ages 8 to 13 who have experienced trauma.

    • Contact information

    St. Stephen’s Youth Programs

    Mission: “To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, employment and opportunity through long-term relationships with youth and their families and communities.”

    • Programs

      • B Ready

      • B Safe

        • “Summer enrichment program - provides a safe, fun, academically enriching environment for 650 students each year. We run B-SAFE at our year-round sites in the South End and Lower Roxbury and at four additional sites in Dorchester, Mattapan, and Chelsea.

      • Intergenerational Organizing

        • This program “equips young people to become agents of change and helps them to organize their neighbors, parents, and peers to address the issues of that disproportionately impact their communities” (such as gun violence).

    • Contact information

    • Sites

      • South End: St. Stephen’s Church at 419 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA  02118

      • Lower Roxbury: The Church of St. Augustine and St. Martin at 31 Lenox St., Boston 02118

  • Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light

    “Mission:      

    • To educate people on why climate change is a matter of morality and justice.

    • To foster public understanding of policies that will lead to a sustainable future.

    • To work with faith communities and their members to be better environmental stewards of their buildings by providing technical expertise and assessing ways they can lower their carbon emissions and save money.”

    Better Future Project

    Better Future Project builds grassroots power to advance a rapid transition beyond fossil fuels. Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), a program of Better Future Project, is Better Future Project's network of local leaders building grassroots climate resilience. In 2023, CREW sponsored the Interfaith Summit, How to Respond to Climate Change.

    • Rev. Vernon Walker, former director

    • Location: 30 Bow St., Cambridge, MA 02138

    Boston Faith & Justice Network

    Boston Faith & Justice Network, as part of one of its online book club discussion series, has focused on how we as Christians are called to climate justice. See the BFJN website for recommended resources and readings.

  • Fostering Hope

    “Fostering Hope empowers churches and individuals to care for children and families impacted by foster care. 

    Our vision is the dream of a day when ZERO children in foster care are waiting for a safe and supported family to care for them. This initiative is called Project ZERO. “

  • Initiative on Health, Religion, and Spirituality

    Although this organization is not independent, it addresses the important relationship between spiritual care and spirituality to medical care and physical health. The initiative is centered at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health. 

    It aims “to study and implement ways to better integrate religion and spirituality into the practice of medicine and public health. It seeks to discover individual and social connections of spirit, mind, and body within the healthcare context.  Advancement of spirituality research is energized by the practical concern that new discoveries from spiritual and religious resources will yield significant new gains in alleviating illness and promoting human flourishing.”

    Some of the studies are relevant to end-of-life spiritual care.

    Faculty leaders include Dr. Tracy Balboni, Dr. Michael Balboni, Ms. Laura Tuach, and Dr. Tyler VanderWeele.

    Boston Health Care Fellowship and Longwood Christian Community

    “Our vision is to reunite faith and healthcare in line with God's intention of bringing healing to the world.  To that end, we exist to make disciples of Jesus among those in the biomedical science and healthcare community in Boston for the glory of God.”

    Christian Medical and Dental Society

    The Christian Medical and Dental Society “has over 340 healthcare campus ministries as well as over 80 community ministries. Along with encouraging students to live out the character of Christ on their campuses, they help Christian healthcare professionals connect with each other through local ministries.”

  • Housing Justice

    Boston Rescue Mission

    “The Boston Rescue Mission transforms lives by empowering individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless to achieve and sustain life skills necessary to become more self-sufficient.

    “We operate an emergency overnight shelter every year. We offer healthy and hearty meals, basic necessities, and bathroom and shower facilities. We provide sober living and life growth shelter communities for men in recovery transitioning from homelessness to independent living.

    “Our mission is to

    • Offer resources that prevent and end homelessness

    • Support the recovery, health, faith, and independence of those with a history of substance use, incarceration, and homelessness

    • Raise awareness about the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration

    • Serve our guests and residents and each other with respect, integrity, and grace

    • Continue to learn, grow, and excel in our services

    • Be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our supporters”

    • Contact information

    • Website: brm.org

    • Email: info@brm.org

    • Phone: (617) 338-9000

    • Location: 39 Kingston St., Boston, MA 02111

    • Veterans’ House: 173 Humboldt Ave., Dorchester, MA 02121

    Faith Leaders for Housing Justice

    “A coalition of Boston area faith leaders collecting and sharing information and stories about issues facing people with housing insecurity.”

    The group is involved in several practical ministries. Leaders include Art Davies, Rev. June Cooper, Sara Mitchell, Jennifer McCracken, Amanda Grant Rose, and Phil Jones. They are working in partnership with the Boston Faith & Justice Network.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center's Friendship Initiative

    “The Friendship Initiative of the Boston Ministry Center seeks to build friendships with neighbors experiencing homelessness. It begins with sharing a meal, engaging in constructive conversations and transforming lives through fulfilling relationships.”

    MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always)

    MANNA is a “ministry of and with the unhoused community in downtown Boston. Through MANNA, we seek not only to welcome folks across differences of class, wealth, culture, race and mental ability, but also to empower all people to claim their place as essential members of our community. We all have gifts to give and to receive. We need each other. And this is why we gather each week to serve, to pray, and to create together.”

    Mission statement: “To provide a space for spiritual refuge and flourishing; To build a community of genuine belonging with the unhoused and unstably housed of Boston.”

    • Leadership: Rev. Jennifer McCracken, contact and lead pastor

    • Website: mannaboston.org

    • Email: mannaboston.org/contact

    • Location: St. Paul’s Cathedral, 138 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111

    • Hours of ministries:

      • Gathering of friends over coffee and worship service (Sundays, 8:30 - 11 a.m.)

      • Lunch and worship service (Mondays, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

      • Black Seed Writers Group (Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.)

      • Quiet Meditation (Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - noon)

    Miracle Mile Ministries

    "Miracle Mile Ministries is a Boston, MA based Christian ministry devoted to a sustained, deliberate, and strategic response to the area we call ‘Miracle Mile’ (a roughly 2-square-mile area in the South End of Boston often referred to as ‘Mass & Cass’ or ‘Methadone Mile’).

    “It is led by a core group of four Boston area Lead Churches (Congregación León de Judá, Antioch Community Church Brighton, Cornerstone Church, and Symphony Church) but involves a universe of a dozen or so churches and parachurch ministries from throughout Boston's neighboring communities who faithfully support this effort week after week.”

    Saturday ministries include breakfast, prayer, clothing distribution, counseling and referral, and street outreach.

    Winter Walk

    Winter Walk is a non-profit organization raising awareness and funds to end homelessness in our communities. It centers on an annual walk, 2 miles around the streets of the city in February, one of the coldest months of the year. The Winter Walk raises awareness and funds for 25 non-profit organizations working to alleviate suffering and address the root causes that give rise to homelessness. It helps fund St. Francis House, Common Cathedral, and the Manna Community. Also, various church groups have participated in Winter Walk.

    Women’s Lunch Place

    Although not specifically a Christian organization, Women’s Lunch Place operates at the Church of the Covenant at 67 Newbury St. in Boston.

    Affordable Housing

    Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

    “The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), founded in 1998, is a broad-based organization that works for the public good by coalescing, training, and organizing people across religious, racial, ethnic, class, and neighborhood lines.” “Our mission is to build power by developing local leaders so we can act together on issues that matter to our communities.” 

    Housing Justice Campaign

    “This comprehensive, multi-pronged, statewide Housing Justice campaign addresses challenges to safe and dignified public housing, affordable rental and homeownership, and access to supportive housing for citizens returning housing justice and other issues.”

    • Leadership: Allie Gardner, chief of staff, (608) 630-3041; Kathleen Patron, executive director

    • Website: gbio.org

    • Email: office@gbio.org

    • Mailing address: GBIO, P.O. Box 190892, Roxbury, MA 02119

    • Location: GBIO, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124

    Habitat for Humanity

    “Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston’s homeownership program provides homeownership opportunities to families without the financial means to purchase a home through traditional methods. By utilizing volunteer labor, sweat equity, and donated supplies and funds, Habitat Greater Boston can build and sell homes at an affordable price to first-time homebuyers.” Since its founding, the organization has used its model to build more than 120 homes in Dorchester, Roxbury, and other neighborhoods.

    • Website: habitatboston.org

    • Phone: 617-423-2223

    • Location: 434 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 201, Boston, MA 02118

  • Amirah

    Mission: “Amirah exists to provide a refuge for those seeking to break free from exploitation and heal in community on their journey toward lasting hope. “ “Amirah exists to provide exit and aftercare opportunities to women exiting the commercial sex trade.”

    Amirah’s “supportive services include comprehensive case management, economic stability planning, housing navigation, support groups, individual coaching, and peer care navigation. We provide supportive services to clients living in our residential program, those housed in other local housing programs, and clients housed independently or seeking housing placement.” 

    Amirah also has a rapid rehousing program, a community resource center, and education programs.

    • Leadership: Mary Speta, executive director

    • Website: amirahinc.org

    • Email: info@amirahinc.org

    • Phone: (781)-462-1758

    • Location: 100 Cummings Ctr, Suite 204-J, Beverly, MA 01915 (office)

    Route One Ministry

    “The mission of Route One Ministry is to serve sexually exploited and trafficked women by entering strip clubs and building relationships with the women who work in the clubs. We also strive to equip the local church, and community leaders with the tools they need to understand trafficking, identify vulnerable people, and respond in the most healthy ways to those who have experienced sexual abuse.”

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center’s Beloved Initiative

    “The Beloved Initiative is an effort to serve human trafficking and sexual abuse survivors as they are brought into safe community with opportunities to be mentored and empowered to embrace new identities in Christ.” This ministry is a part of the Boston Ministry Center.

  • Harbor Christian Counseling

    “Harbor Christian Counseling provides clinically skilled, biblically informed, gospel driven counseling services for individuals, couples, children and families in the Greater Boston area. Our team also seeks to partner with local churches to provide training and resources that promote a more effective and compassionate ministry to mental health issues within the church.”

    • Leadership: Matt Warren, executive director

    • Website: harborchristiancounseling.com

    • Phone: (617) 299-6516

    • Location: 874 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215

  • Boston Faith & Justice Network

    "The Boston Faith & Justice Network brings Christians from many traditions together to move from personal religious commitment to transformative action against poverty and oppression. We foster a dialogue about money and responsibility while presenting opportunities for practical lifestyle shifts and justice-oriented engagement. Economic discipleship—following Jesus with our money—is one of the foundations of our vision for Christ-centered just living."

    Massachusetts Poor People's Campaign

    The Poor People's Campaign, a national ecumenical and interfaith anti-poverty campaign, seeks to confront the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the denial of health care, militarism and the expansion of the war economy, and the false narratives of religious extremism and white supremacy. Cynthia Parker is one of the local Massachusetts organizers.  

  • Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC): The Race & Christian Community Initiative (RCCI)

    RCCI collaborates across racial lines to foster shalom between individuals, communities, and systems damaged by racism. “RCCI works toward this vision by equipping Christians in Greater Boston to engage issues of race in ways that honor the image of God in all people and nurture the righteousness and justice Jesus desires for our communities.”

    RCCI “provide[s] biblically-based discipleship so white evangelical communities can experience — and contribute to — healing from the sin of racism.” RCCI “also work[s] with BIPOC Christians who desire to see transformation in white evangelical communities and the body of Christ at large.”  

    The ministry includes action communities, learning community cohort groups, experiential education, workshops, and coaching. Resource lists, articles, and books are also available.

    Be the Bridge

    “Our vision is that people and organizations are aware and respond to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world. That we are no longer conditioned by a racialized society but are grounded in truth. That all are equipped to flourish.”

    During 2020 and 2021, UniteBoston launched a “Be the Bridge” Zoom group, where 28 people engaged in weekly conversation with Latasha Morrison’s “Be the Bridge” curriculum. Although this is a national organization, a number of Boston area churches have started “Be the Bridge” groups and used the curriculum.

  • Awaken City Church: Immigrant Connection

    "Immigrant Connection is dedicated to building a community of inclusion.

    "By providing low-cost legal services to eligible immigrants to secure permanent residency and citizenship, our hope is that they will experience greater access to employment, education, housing, and health services. Our entire community and economy benefit when individuals experience stability and opportunities.

    "Immigrant Connection (IC) is recognized by the Department of Justice, and our services include legal representation for green cards and citizenship, petitions for survivors of domestic violence or violent crimes, family-based petitions, temporary protected status, consular processing, work authorization applications, and DACA renewal applications."

    Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC): Intercultural Ministries

    “Intercultural Ministries (IM) supports immigrant leaders' work in grassroots organizations tuned in to community needs. We leverage our volunteer and church networks, offering thought partnership as our partners share their concerns and make strategic connections to support our partners' priorities. We network, train, and consult to promote effective intercultural ministry and international mission networks in and out of Greater Boston.”

    Mygration Christian Conference

    “We exist to explore God's heart through stories of migration.” 

    “We believe that the Bible's stories are our stories, and that through the exploration of these stories we can come to a greater understanding of how Christians can positively and proactively respond to the migration crisis in our world today.”

    Mygration Christian Conference sponsors an in-person and online conference each summer and provides educational webinars and resources throughout the year.

    UniteBoston: “A Sanctuary for Strangers”

    “We want to help every church, big and small, to feel equipped to address the migrant crisis and mobilize their church to ACT. We have put together a full preaching package complete with designs, multimedia content, sermon examples, and more, to help churches recognize Migrant Sunday across Boston effectively.”

    Agencia Alpha

    “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of immigrants in Massachusetts by empowering our community members to become leaders, overcome social challenges, and fight against xenophobia. As an immigrant-led, grassroots organization, we work in three areas: community organizing, legalization, & citizenship services.”

    Some of Agencia Alpha’s many services include:

    • Immigration advice and consulting

    • Family petitions and adjustment of status

    • Temporary Protection Status (TPS)

    • Work permit renewals

    • Free citizenship application assistance

    • Citizenship classes (Boston/East Boston)

    • Interpretation and translation services

    Agencia Alpha has also worked with the Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative. 

    • Leadership: Patricia Sobalvarro, executive director;  Damaris Velasquez, program director; Vilma Galvez, legalization program director

    • Website: agenciaalpha.org

    • Email: info@agenciaalpha.org

    • Phone: (617) 522-6382

    • Location: Congregación León de Judá, 62 Northampton St., Boston, MA 02118

    True Alliance Center

    True Alliance Center is a faith-based charitable organization that seeks to promote advocacy in the Haitian community related to education, housing, immigration, health, and economic development. The Center advocates for positive change, educates its constituents about their rights and opportunities, provides assistance, and develops partnerships.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center’s Geneva Initiative

    “The Geneva Initiative of the Boston Ministry Center mobilizes churches to receive refugees and international families in healthy and loving ways, inviting them into a supportive community and connecting them with opportunities in their new home country.”

  • The Boston Project

    “The mission is to engage and equip neighbors, volunteers, and congregations to build strong communities characterized by God’s shalom. 

    “Shalom means wholeness, peace, well-being, righteousness, and justice.”

    The ministry applies “community-building strategies that include strengthening youth and families, developing leaders, multiplying collaborations, and investing in corner-by-corner transformation resulting in a more green, healthy, safe, connected, and economically-empowered neighborhood.”

    • Youth ministry: The Boston Project partners with Young Life Boston. Along with others, Christian and Mary Grant serve as staff for both organizations.

    • Day program: “The Elmhurst Park Program aims to keep neighborhood children engaged by fostering a safe environment where they can grow as a person and develop friendships.” This is a free, summer day program from 12:30 – 4 p.m.

    • Mental health: “The Mental Health Ambassadors program brings together teenagers who are passionate about supporting teen mental health. Together, the MHA team works to decrease the stigma, educate their peers and community about mental health, and create innovative spaces for self-care and healing.”

    • Life coaching: LevelUp Life Coaching “provides teens with a personal life coach, a caring mentor trained to help them create, achieve, and celebrate their goals.”

    • Summer employment

      • Artists in Action: “In collaboration with professional artists, young people bring shalom (peace, justice, healing, wholeness) through visual art pieces benches, murals, sculptures) and performances (music, drama, spoken word, and dance) in our community.”

      • Healthy Youth Champions: In this summer program, “youth work at urban farms and gardens, learn how to cook nutritious snacks and meals, assess community health resources, and educate their peers and children in healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, self-care, and healthy eating.” 

    The Boston Project also offers leadership development programs and teen jobs.

  • Black Ministerial Alliance / Ten Point Coalition

    Mission: "to build the capacity of Black churches and ministry leaders to support the empowerment of our youth and families and strengthen the Health and well-being of their surrounding communities."

    The Ten Point Coalition works collaboratively to end patterns of violence in Boston. It seeks to foster cooperation between faith-based organizations and leaders in citywide-crime-reduction efforts and youth intervention.

    • Contact information

      • Leadership: Rev. David Wright, executive director

      • Website: bmatenpoint.org

      • Email: info@bmaboston.org

      • Phone: (617) 445-2737

      • Location: 2010 Columbus Ave. (Lower Level), Roxbury, MA 02119

    • Programs

      • Victory Generation out-of-school programs – see above

      • Vacation Bible School: In partnership with churches

      • Teen Café: Activities and work opportunities to prevent youth violence

      • Community Wellness: Seeks to improve health outcomes and eliminate disparities

    Boston Faith and Justice Network

    Mission: “The Boston Faith & Justice Network brings Christians together to live simply and give generously in pursuit of a just world.”

    • Principles:           

      • Working for justice: “Christians have a Biblical call to be at the front lines of transformative action against injustice.”

      • Practicing economic discipleship: “Economic Discipleship is what BFJN calls the process of following Jesus with our money.”

      • Engaging in Community: “Through our Lazarus at the Gate small group study, BFJN encourages open discussions about wealth, poverty, and Christian responsibility to meet the needs of the suffering and vulnerable.”

    • Programs

      • Service: The “Micah 6:8 programs offer multi-day experiences for those wishing to explore deeply the concepts of justice and generosity in their own lives.”

      • Bible study: Lazarus at the Gate is an eight-week Bible study that challenges participants to understand the Biblical foundation for generosity, simple living and just consumption. BFJN also offers shorter Lazarus at the Gate workshops.

    • Contact information

    Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC)

    EGC “is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to supporting the work of passionate individuals, ministries, and organizations seeking to positively impact critical issues in the city. Our collaborative approach aims to create a more equitable, connected, and thriving community for all Bostonians.”

    • Website: egc.org

    • Phone: (617) 262-4567

    • Location: 44 Moultrie St. Dorchester, MA 02124

    • Mailing address: P.O. Box 240017, Dorchester, MA 02124

    The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center

    The Kroc Center offers fitness equipment and instruction, an aquatics center with a pool, climbing wall, gym, group exercise, youth programs, culinary arts training, programs for seniors, and many other classes.

    The Youth programs include F.E.A.S.T., which stands for “Food, Enrichment, Arts, Spiritual Development and Teaching.”

    “Kids F.E.A.S.T is a children's out-of-school program that aims to provide a relaxed, safe, Christian environment where children experience God’s unconditional love, learn valuable biblical stories, develop appropriate social behavior, discover new skills, pursue interests, utilize talents, make new friends, and have lots of fun.

    “Youth ages 6-12 have the opportunity to receive tutoring and mentoring, spiritual development, social and emotional skill development, fitness fun and enrichment activities.”

    UniteBoston

    UniteBoston sees its role is to “create opportunities for ‘beloved community’ to emerge, one that leans into our diversities, nurtures belonging for all of God’s children, models redemptive power dynamics, and works together to nurture shalom across historic divides. As we nurture kinship relations among diverse siblings in Christ, we believe our self-giving love for each other will be a collective witness to the reconciling power of the gospel.” 

    • Leadership: Kelly Fassett, executive director; Rev. Devlin Scott, managing director

    • Website: uniteboston.com

    • Email: info@uniteboston.com

    • Mailing address: UniteBoston, P.O. Box 961162, Boston, MA 02196

    Boston Collaborative

    “Christians are serving generously in every sector of Boston. The Boston Collaborative is helping them work together to achieve the greatest impact.

    “Our dream is to see communities transformed and Christians known as redemptive change agents in Boston.”

    The Boston Collaborative focuses on the Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative, Pastors Praying Together, Boston Flourish, and Returning Citizens.

    The Boston Project

    See above for details of programs. Other programs of community organizing and promoting community and individual well-being involve adults as well as youth.

    • Leadership: Paul Malkemes, executive director

    • Website: tbpm.org

    • Phone: (617) 929-0925 (general); (617) 318-6937 (ministry and church)

    • Location: 15 Elmhurst St., Dorchester, MA 02124   

    Greater Boston Nazarene Compassionate Center

    The goal of the Center is “to provide relief and opportunity to the most vulnerable, distressed and underprivileged, undeserved, under-represented people of the greater Boston area, with a particular emphasis on the Haitian community, immigrants and youth in Mattapan, Dorchester and vicinity.”

    • Objectives

      • “To enable limited English speaking adults to access skill building programs and basic services to stabilize families, and develop marketable skills that position them for success.” 

      • “To mobilize the community to address critical issues and opportunities that affect Haitians in Greater Boston.”

      • “To provide high quality education and support services that effectively advance youth along the ‘educational pipeline’ from elementary, middle, and high school through college graduation.”

    The Center operates a large food pantry, a workforce readiness initiative, education programs, refugee ministries, and a youth arts and culture program.

    Send Relief: Boston Ministry Center

    “In the heart of Boston, this Send Relief ministry center is dedicated to functioning as a catalytic hub for restorative ministry in and around the city. The center is committed to working alongside local ministries and through the local church to see communities strengthened to the glory of God.”

    “The Boston ministry center is committed to resourcing local churches, renewing ministry workers and families and restoring communities in need across the city. We do this through three initiatives: The Friendship Initiative (relating to homelessness), The Beloved Initiative (relating to human trafficking), and the Geneva Initiative (relating to refugees & international families). See categories above for more detail).

  • This section highlights some organizations that, while not explicitly Christian, are doing meaningful work with churches and faith-based groups to address social issues.

    City of Boston's Faith-Based Monthly Community Meetings and Newsletter

    Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

    “Our Mission: The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence brings together impacted communities, advocates, public health experts and policy-makers to prevent gun violence in all its forms. Because we recognize that gun violence is a public health emergency exacerbated by economic disparity and systemic racism, we address those root causes through education, policy analysis, trauma informed advocacy, and by amplifying the voices of impacted individuals and communities.”

    “Our Approach: Directed by survivors and member organizations, we seek to strengthen legislation, gun safety practices, research, and funding for community based solutions to create a Commonwealth that is free from gun violence. The Coalition engages in this work through four main avenues: Education, Advocacy, Community Organizing, and Member Support. Many faith-based partners (including EGC) are a part of the coalition.”

Resources
What happens when church buildings close?
What happens when church buildings close?

Churches faced with aging buildings, lack of parking, and aging, dispersed membership may find selling their buildings necessary—or even advantageous. What happens to the buildings when they do?

Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues
Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues

This guide showcases organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

The Value and Relevance of Community Research
The Value and Relevance of Community Research

In-depth research helps us go below the surface.

The Nature of Community Research
The Nature of Community Research

What is community research?

Ministry With Eyes Wide Open: The Varied Lenses of Community Research
Ministry With Eyes Wide Open: The Varied Lenses of Community Research

From community-based participatory research to social-network analysis, there are various ways Christians can learn more about the communities they serve.

Community Research and the Church
Community Research and the Church

A Christian church or ministry functions in the context of a particular community. To effectively minister in that community, it’s important to understand it.   

Illustrated Guide for Researching Your Community
Illustrated Guide for Researching Your Community

From population trends to social needs, this illustrated guide lists the factors to consider when learning more about a local neighborhood or community.

Guide for Researching Your Community
Guide for Researching Your Community

From population trends to social needs, this guide lists the factors to consider when learning more about a local neighborhood or community.

College Ministries and Churches Serving University Students
College Ministries and Churches Serving University Students

This guide includes Boston-area Christian campus ministries and a sample of churches serving college students.

Boston Church Directory
Boston Church Directory

The Boston Church Directory may be used for a variety of scholarly, relational, and spiritual purposes.

Boston Church Directory Map
Boston Church Directory Map

The Boston Church Directory lists Christian churches located within the city limits of Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge.

What does Boston's population growth mean for ministry in the city?
What does Boston's population growth mean for ministry in the city?

More and more newcomers are flocking to Boston even as the number of churches appears to be leveling off.

Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston
Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston

Are you looking to get a better understanding of the city of Boston with all its history, neighborhoods, and eccentricities? Rudy Mitchell, researcher of Boston's neighborhoods and churches for over 30 years, gives his top 5 recommendations for books about Boston.

Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth
Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth

Want to know where to plant a church in Boston? You might consider Boston’s newest or soon-to-be-built residential growth sites. We’ll take a look at eight neighborhoods where growth is—or soon will be—taking place, based on public and private development plans. 

3 Movements Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church
3 Movements Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church

The scope of sexual and gender-based violence in America is coming into the public light—not just in Hollywood and Washington, but in the church as well. Three nationwide movements focus on the church’s responsibility, both in adding to the problem and in bringing healing.

Organizations Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church
Organizations Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church

Do you feel called to help survivors of gender-based violence (domestic abuse, sexual assault, etc.)? See these recommended local and national organizations and see how you may be able to get involved.

Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond
Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is a glimpse of the current reality of homelessness in Massachusetts today.

Gender Based Violence & the Church [Resources]
Gender Based Violence & the Church [Resources]

The Church has a critical role in prevention, intervention, and healing from gender-based violence (GBV). These resources can help.

What Is Homelessness?
What Is Homelessness?

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is an overview of how homelessness is defined in the US.

Understanding Jamaica Plain Today: Overview + Resources
Understanding Jamaica Plain Today: Overview + Resources

Are you planting a church or ministering in Jamaica Plain? Get to know this vibrant neighborhood and explore some great local resources.

Understanding Roxbury Today
Understanding Roxbury Today

At the geographic heart of Boston, Roxbury is home to a diverse community. Like many Boston neighborhoods, Roxbury is in transition—holding the tension between the beautiful old while welcoming in the beautiful new.

Understanding Dorchester: Overview + Resources
Understanding Dorchester: Overview + Resources

Are you ministering or planting a church in Dorchester? Check out this gateway to local resources for understanding the people and community you serve.

Christianity in Boston 2030: What's The Church's Vision?
Christianity in Boston 2030: What's The Church's Vision?

The City of Boston has released “Imagine Boston 2030,” a comprehensive vision to prepare for an expected population surge by the city’s 400th anniversary in 2030. Can the church articulate a similar vision for what the Kingdom of God could look like in Boston 13 years from now?

Tips for Developing Church Leadership
Tips for Developing Church Leadership

Starting a new church, but short on leaders? A few years ago, we interviewed a number of Greater Boston’s church planters to ask how they were developing new leaders for their churches. Here are some of their tips for raising new leaders.

Top 6 Books For Understanding The South End
Top 6 Books For Understanding The South End

The South End has undergone a dramatic transformation in this generation. Christian leaders in the South End can benefit from these recommended resources for foundational and ongoing learning about this dynamic community. 

 

History of Revivalism in Boston
History of Revivalism in Boston

Journey with EGC’s Senior Researcher Rudy Mitchell through Boston’s key evangelistic revivals from the First Great Awakening in 1740–1741 through the Billy Graham campaign of 1950. History comes alive as we read how God moved in remarkable ways through gifted evangelists, and we gain a deeper appreciation for Boston’s vibrant Christian history.

Jamaica Plain's Journey Through Time: History + Resources
Jamaica Plain's Journey Through Time: History + Resources

From progressive education policies in the late 1600s, to the arrival of immigrants and industry in the 1800s, to the establishment of diverse housing projects and churches up to the present day, Jamaica Plain has had a colorful and action-filled past.

Christian Leadership Web Sites [Resource List]
Christian Leadership Web Sites [Resource List]

Web Resources For Christian Leadership

Biblical Theology Of Leadership [Resource List]
Biblical Theology Of Leadership [Resource List]

Resources On Biblical Theology Of Leadership

Inner Life Of A Leader [Resource List]
Inner Life Of A Leader [Resource List]

Resources On The Inner Life Of A Leader

Read More
Housing & Homelessness Emmanuel Gospel Center Housing & Homelessness Emmanuel Gospel Center

Homelessness & Collaboration: Starlight Ministry [VIDEO]

[VIDEO] Hear from ministers around the city how Starlight Ministries engages churches in collaboration to address local homelessness. 

Homelessness & Collaboration: Starlight Ministry [VIDEO]

We need each other. Churches need to work together to address the homelessness crisis in the Boston area. 

Starlight Ministries also sees that life-giving relationships with people affected by homelessness are mutually transforming. Christians can learn from our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Hear from those in Cambridge and Boston in regular relationship with unhoused friends and neighbors.

 
Starlight Walkathon Save the Date.png
 
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Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues
Christian Organizations Addressing Social Issues

This guide showcases organizations addressing some of the most pressing social issues. Their endeavors range from supporting vulnerable children and families to promoting environmental stewardship.

Homelessness & Collaboration: Starlight Ministry [VIDEO]
Homelessness & Collaboration: Starlight Ministry [VIDEO]

[VIDEO] Hear from ministers around the city how Starlight Ministries engages churches in collaboration to address local homelessness. 

Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond
Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is a glimpse of the current reality of homelessness in Massachusetts today.

What Is Homelessness?
What Is Homelessness?

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is an overview of how homelessness is defined in the US.

Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight's Collaborative Approach
Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight's Collaborative Approach

Boston is in a homelessness crisis, especially among families experiencing homelessness. When it comes to engaging this crisis, Starlight believes churches are better together. Discover Starlight's collaborative ministry model for ending homelessness in Boston.

10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today
10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

Churches address homelessness best through smart community collaborations. Here are ten ways your church can get connected and trained.

Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports
Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Homelessness is complex. For a deeper understanding of the dynamics of homelessness, check out these recommended resources. Includes books and Boston-area reports.

Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations
Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations

What's being done about homelessness in Boston today? Check out this overview of active Boston-area homelessness ministries and organizations.

5 Entry Points for Churches to Address Homelessness
5 Entry Points for Churches to Address Homelessness

Addressing homelessness effectively can surprise our intuition. Learn about entry points from those who study homelessness as a system.

Street Involvement As A System [infographic]
Street Involvement As A System [infographic]

Homelessness is a complex system. Learn about this system and how the church can engage.

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Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is a glimpse of the current reality of homelessness in Massachusetts today.

Homelessness by the Numbers

2017 Boston & Beyond 

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

For the first time since 2010, US homelessness went up slightly in 2017. A one-night count in January 2017, found 553,742 people across the country living outside or in shelters.

To reduce homelessness among our fellow Massachusetts residents, we must have a clear picture of who is currently affected by homelessness. If we understand the Who? of homelessness, we are one step towards understanding the Why? and the How is this best addressed?

Who is currently experiencing homelessness in our local area? The numbers below might surprise you—they may not represent who first comes to mind when you hear the word 'homeless'. 

 

MASSACHUSETTS

people clipart.jpeg

17,565 people

Total number of people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts in January 2017

students clipart.png

21,112 students

Number of students identified and served by Massachusetts public schools during the 2016-2017 school year who had experienced homelessness in the past year.

poorfamily clipart.png

3,580 families

Number of families with children, including pregnant women, in Massachusetts’ Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program in September 2017. About 51 of these families were living in motels as of August 31.

 

BOSTON, MA

pexels-photo-275606.jpeg

2,379 single adults, 3800 people in families

6179 people were found to be experiencing homelessness in the 2017 City of Boston Homeless Census. This includes 2,379 single adults and 3,800 people in 1,239 families.

 

Boston Homelessness Winter Trends

Data from City of Boston Annual Homeless Census Reports (point-in-time counts).
 

Cambridge, MA

Harvard_Square_in_Cambridge,_Massachusetts.jpg

463 people in shelters, 67 people sleeping on the street

530 people were counted in the 2017 Census of the homeless population in Cambridge, comprising 135 people in families, and 395 single individuals. This included 67 unsheltered people (on the streets).

 

Take Action to End Homelessness

"We believe that better cooperation amongst churches and community organizations could better serve the current need," writes Rev. Cynthia Hymes-Bell of EGC's Starlight Ministry. 

"Our vision is that every church and Christian group in Greater Boston who wants to engage people affected by homelessness will be equipped to do so wisely." 

Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent & End Homelessness

Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent & End Homelessness

 
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Boston Housing: Facts and Resources
Boston Housing: Facts and Resources

As we begin 2019, housing is a hot topic in every corner of Boston. Get oriented with some basic data about housing realities and resources in Boston.

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To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is a glimpse of the current reality of homelessness in Massachusetts today.

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To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is an overview of how homelessness is defined in the US.

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Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight's Collaborative Approach

Boston is in a homelessness crisis, especially among families experiencing homelessness. When it comes to engaging this crisis, Starlight believes churches are better together. Discover Starlight's collaborative ministry model for ending homelessness in Boston.

10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today
10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

Churches address homelessness best through smart community collaborations. Here are ten ways your church can get connected and trained.

Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports
Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Homelessness is complex. For a deeper understanding of the dynamics of homelessness, check out these recommended resources. Includes books and Boston-area reports.

Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations
Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations

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5 Entry Points for Churches to Address Homelessness
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What Is Homelessness?

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is an overview of how homelessness is defined in the US.

What Is Homelessness?

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Life can be destabilizing for those who don’t have a permanent place to live.

To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is an overview of how homelessness is defined in the U.S.

Pine Street Inn, New England's largest homeless shelter in Boston

Pine Street Inn, New England's largest homeless shelter in Boston

Who Defines Homelessness in the US?

definition clipart.jpeg

Definitions of homelessness vary due to differing political and program purposes:

  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a somewhat narrow and precise definition aimed at determining eligibility for housing assistance.

  • Advocates for homeless programs often have broader definitions to access more care resources.

  • People and programs seeking to prevent homelessness among at-risk people include in their definition people who are in unstable or irregular housing. For example, some definitions include families who are doubled up or people sleeping on couches, both of whom are without permanent housing.

  • Health centers most often use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) definition in providing health services.

 

Homelessness in Detail

For a quick look at the practical realities, observe the precise way HUD defines a state of homelessness. The HUD definition includes four qualifying situations: 

  1. “An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” (including people who are sleeping in a car, a park, abandoned building, station, or who are sleeping in a shelter, transitional housing, or motel paid for by government or charitable organization).

  2. “An individual or family imminently (within 14 days) losing (being evicted from) their primary nighttime residence with no subsequent residence identified and the household lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.”

  3. “People, including unaccompanied youth or families with children and youth, with persistent housing instability evidenced by several characteristics.”

  4. “Any individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other life-threatening conditions, and has no other residence or resources to obtain other permanent housing.”

 

Not all Homelessness is created equal

The experience of homelessness follows many paths and forms, and each person has a unique story. But Kuhn et al. have identified three main types of experiences in the US.

Shelter Guests by Life Situation

Data from Kuhn, R. and D.P. Culhane, Applying Cluster Analysis to Test a Typology of Homelessness by Pattern of Shelter Utilization: Results from the Analysis of Administrative Data. American Journal of Community Psychology, 1998. 26(2): p. 207-32.

  1. Transitional Homelessness — an individual spends a short time in a shelter before transitioning into permanent housing 

  2. Episodic Homelessness — an individual who is frequently in and out of shelters and stays for a short time

  3. Chronic Homelessness — an individual who has been homeless for 12 consecutive months or has had four or more episodes of homelessness totaling 12 months over three years and has a disability. In Boston, chronic shelter guests are even lower, only about 6%.  But the chronic homeless typically use half of all shelter days over the course of a year.

 

Take Action to End Homelessness

According to U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, ending homelessness is achieved when individuals who fall into homelessness experience it as a brief crisis and quickly move forward on a path to housing.

"We believe that better cooperation amongst churches and community organizations could better serve the current need," writes Rev. Cynthia Hymes-Bell of EGC's Starlight Ministry. "Our vision is that every church and Christian group in Greater Boston who wants to engage people affected by homelessness will be equipped to do so wisely." 

 
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Boston Housing: Facts and Resources
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To address local homelessness, we need a clear picture of whom we seek to help. You may be surprised by who qualifies as part of the homeless population. What follows is a glimpse of the current reality of homelessness in Massachusetts today.

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10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

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Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports
Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

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Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations
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Boston is in a homelessness crisis, especially among families experiencing homelessness. When it comes to engaging this crisis, Starlight believes churches are better together. Discover Starlight's collaborative ministry model for ending homelessness in Boston.

Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight’s Collaborative Approach

by Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell, MPH

The face of homelessness on Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston has changed. When we think about homelessness in America, we tend to think of single adult males living in a shelter, in a car or under a bridge. They may have a mental illness, or drug or alcohol addiction.

However, increasingly the single adult male is no longer the dominant face of homelessness in the Melnea Cass Boulevard area of the city. While traveling through this neighborhood on my way to work or to the airport, I have observed that the faces of the individuals congregating on the Boulevard are now younger, Caucasian and increasingly women.  

As the Director of Starlight Ministries, I am constantly asking, what can be done—what is being done—by Christian leaders in this city to eradicate the problem? What is the Church’s response to this crisis?

THE CURRENT CRISIS

Just in the past three years, the face of homelessness on Melnea Cass Boulevard has changed completely. The Woods-Mullen women's shelter on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston’s South End serves women ages 18 years or older. Their 200 beds have not met the need of an increasing number of young women sleeping on the Boulevard and the streets of the city.  

homeless woman inside.jpeg

Street involvement is becoming more prevalent and severe for both women and men. On any given night in the city of Boston, the first-come-first-served overnight shelter beds are usually full or beyond capacity, leaving those who cannot be served sleeping on the streets in bags, in makeshift houses or on corners of the city’s streets.

“Families have become the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.”

In January 2016, the annual City of Boston Homeless Census counted 7,549 men, women and children sleeping in shelters, treatment centers and on the streets of Boston. What is even more startling is a recent report published by the Boston Foundation which highlights that the number of individuals in families who are homeless in Massachusetts has more than doubled in nine years to 13,000, an increase that’s among the highest in the nation.

Historically, homelessness has meant individuals living on the streets. But families have become the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, comprising nearly 40 percent nationally, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness. Children make up 60% of those who are experiencing family homelessness on any given day in Massachusetts.  

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chronic homelessness is a persistent and pervasive problem in the metro-Boston area, where limited shelter options, unemployment, and excessive rents are forcing more people onto the streets.  The housing crisis undermines the life and dignity of so many of our sisters and brothers who lack stable housing, employment and a permanent place to live.

“Christian leaders best address the homelessness crisis by building healthy community networks that relationally engage and support people affected by homelessness.”

Homelessness is a multifaceted problem—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  I recognize that the current crisis in the city of Boston poses a particular challenge for church leaders who do not have the capacity, or do not feel well-equipped, to deal with the problem.

The “no loitering” signs that recently have been posted by the city of Boston along the fences on Melnea Cass Boulevard certainly are not the answer. These are our sisters and brothers—nameless faces of women and children and men sleeping on the city streets, outcast, turned down, closed out and invisible.

What is the church’s response to this crisis?  At Starlight, we believe Christian leaders best address the homelessness crisis by building healthy community networks that relationally engage and support people affected by homelessness. 

STARLIGHT’S COLLABORATIVE MODEL

“In a partnership, each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened. ”

This past year, we at EGC’s 27-year-old Starlight Ministries have honed our approach. We began a re-learning process, identifying 30 prospective church partners that currently have outreach ministries to people who are poor or marginalized.

We were disheartened to learn, after the first 12 meetings and interviews, that many of these ministries are using a model of service—the food pantry model—that is not effectively serving people dealing with homelessness. People without housing need ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or preparation.

We believe that better cooperation amongst churches and community organizations could better serve the current need. We are now developing church and community partnerships aimed at implementing holistic approaches, sharing resources, and coordinating services.

In a partnership, each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened. Partners will jointly address the physical, spiritual, and practical needs of people in their neighborhood to foster healthy community.

Our vision is that every church and Christian group in Greater Boston who wants to engage people affected by homelessness will be equipped to do so wisely. In turn, people affected by homelessness will have more opportunities to participate in “healthy, effective communities” that can support them in transitioning out of homelessness and achieving their full potential.

 
Cynthia Hymes-Bell.jpeg

Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell

Rev. Bell leads Starlight Ministries in its mission to build the capacity of Boston’s churches and leaders to create life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. She has a degree in mental health from Tufts University, a Master of Public Health from Yale, and a Master of Divinity from Harvard. From 2002 to 2008, Cynthia traveled to South Sudan with “My Sister’s Keeper,” where she participated in the redemption of more than 1,200 slaves. She is a licensed and ordained minister and serves on the ministry team of Morning Star Baptist Church in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston.

 
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10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

By Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell

Starlight Ministries builds the capacity of churches to minister to those experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to develop relationships amongst churches and ministry groups that desire to develop mutually transformative ministries with people affected by homelessness.

Ideal partners work collaboratively not only to address the physical, spiritual, and practical needs of homeless people—they also build a healthier community. Services are coordinated effectively so that each church can find their unique contribution and no one church is overburdened.

Our target groups are church partners with existing outreach ministries or that want to launch new ministries. We pursue partnerships with churches and ministry groups aimed at achieving sustainable, relational engagement of churches with people affected by homelessness.

Starlight Ministries offers trainings opportunities, where for churches and ministry groups:

  • serve alongside our staff

  • develop a basic awareness about homelessness

  • nurture mutually life-changing relationships that help people affected by homelessness progress through stages of change and transition out of homelessness

How can you learn more, connect and become equipped to serve the homeless?  The following is a list of  opportunities that can help you get started.

How To Get Involved

Learning Events

1. Attend a Starlight Information & Recruitment Session

Starlight Practicum.jpeg

We facilitate a one-hour session on the complexity of the system of homelessness and an introduction to Starlight. Following the session, leaders are invited to sign up for in-depth training and consider how their church can engage more effectively.

For in-depth training, we ask that you commit to:

  • bring several lay leaders and/or clergy from your church to three subsequent training sessions

  • embrace and engage in a transformational style of relationship with people affected by homelessness

  • prayerfully and thoughtfully consider moving toward a long-term commitment of your church’s people and resources to launch or strengthen one or more forms of effective ministry to people affected by homelessness, customized for your church and your community

Learning Resources

2. Study Homelessness  Check out these resources that can help you understand the complexities of homelessness today:

3. Explore the Local Ministry Landscape  See what’s happening across Boston to address homelessness:

 

Starlight Custom Consulting

Every church community and neighborhood has unique assets and needs. Starlight offers customized training for your church or ministry group, including:

Cnythia & someone.jpeg

4. Site Visits  We visit your site to observe your church outreach program, and meet key leaders and ministry volunteers.

5. Listening Sessions  We listen to you to learn about your church’s specific needs and your community issues.

6. Custom Classroom and Experiential Trainings customized training for church partners are provided by request.  For committed, partnering churches, Starlight provides:

  • customized classroom training on homelessness, effective engagement, and intervention principles and practices

  • opportunities for your group to gain hands-on experience in effective outreach while being coached and mentored by our team of experienced staff

Giving and Fundraising

Starlight Walkathon 2016.jpg

7. Donate to Starlight  Be a matching donor, lead donor, or give to the annual Starlight Ministries fundraiser.

8. Join the 2018 Walkathon  Be a sponsor, lead donor, build a team to walk and raise funds or volunteer for Starlight Ministries Spring 2018 Walkathon.

9. Hold a Fundraiser  Organize a fundraising event in your church, neighborhood or community.

10. Donate Goods  Contribute clothing, coats, shoes and other personal care items to our Resource/Drop-in center.

 
Cynthia Hymes-Bell.jpeg

Cynthia Hymes Bell

Cynthia is leading Starlight Ministries in its mission to build the capacity of Boston’s churches and leaders to create life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. She has a degree in mental health from Tufts University, a Master of Public Health from Yale, and a Master of Divinity from Harvard. From 2002 to 2008, Cynthia traveled to South Sudan with “My Sister’s Keeper,” where she participated in the redemption of more than 1,200 slaves. She is a licensed and ordained minister and serves on the ministry team of Morning Star Baptist Church in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston.

 
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Books

Highly Recommended

Many authors present in-depth insights on all aspects of homelessness, from one woman’s personal account of homelessness to general perspectives. The first part observes changes and trends in the homeless population over the last three decades. The second part describes two contrasting program approaches, Pathways’ Housing First and Portland, Oregon’s Central City Concern with its Alcohol & Drug Free Community (ADFC) model. Later sections analyze why the US has not made more progress, with suggested pathways.

 

The co-authors were moved to put their faith into action and apply the Bible to the needs of their city. Although Chattanooga, TN was ranked the most “Bible minded” city by Barna and had 1,000 well attended churches, this religiosity did not seem to impact the situation of the city’s hundreds of homeless individuals. In response to these observations and their reading of the book of James, the authors started an outreach ministry which led to outdoor churches and ministries in 60 locations among homeless people in Chattanooga.

 

This Pulitzer and MacArthur Genius Grant winning book reveals one of the pathways leading to homelessness through the real life stories. A Boston Foundation study found that 23% of families applying for emergency shelter assistance gave the reason for their need as eviction or threatened eviction. Preventing homelessness requires an understanding of the factors and dynamics leading to housing evictions, and this book is an excellent place to start learning.

 

 

Dr. O’Connell shares stories and experiences of his work with individuals affected by homelessness in Boston. He is the founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, which now serves thousands of people each year.

 

 

 

Other Recommended Books

Bouma-Prediger, Steven, and Brian J. Walsh. Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2008.

This book looks at more than just the physical and socio-economic aspects of homelessness. It is a deeper book which also critiques western culture, considers other types of  “homelessness,” and reflects theologically on the concept of home.

 

Corbett, Steve, and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself.  New edition. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2012.

Although this book does not deal directly with homelessness, it is still relevant because it covers related issues like poverty, wealth inequality, job readiness, health, and financial education. A major part of the book deals with poverty and how some efforts to alleviate it have negative and counterproductive impacts. The authors are right in recommending Asset Based Community Development as a useful approach for long term results.

 

Padgett, Deborah K., Benjamin F. Henwood, and Sam J. Tsemberis. Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.

This is one of the best books on the Housing First approach to ending chronic homelessness since one of the authors, Sam Tsemberis, was its originator. Housing First seeks “to provide immediate access to housing and an envelope of support services to individuals living on the streets” (viii), which is in contrast to “housing ready” or “staircase models” requiring people to meet certain requirements before moving through a progression of housing options. The book describes several approaches to address homelessness and explains the theory and history of  Housing First. It also presents research evidence supporting the approach. For example, when Boston’s Pine Street Inn tried a pilot Housing First program, 86% of the chronically homeless participants remained stably housed after one year. While there are some limitations and objections to Housing First, the approach has been influential and has brought about some systems changes.

 

Sharpe, Travis. 50 Practical Ways You Can Help the Homeless. Bloomington, Ind.: West Bow Press, 2017.

The practical ideas shared by Travis Sharpe are based on the author’s experience over the years. Most of these ideas are intended for helping individuals one by one in a relational context. Typical ideas include giving haircuts, shoes, snack packs, personal hygiene packs, and eating lunch with someone. Other ideas extend to help in finding a job and connecting to community resources. Although these acts of kindness do not address the deeper roots of homelessness, they are one avenue of Christian ministry that God can use. The author is the founder of an organization called Unsheltered International.

 

Wagner, David. Confronting Homelessness: Poverty, Politics, and the Failure of Social Policy. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012.

Reading about and listening to the life stories of individuals who are homeless is important, but understanding a historical perspective on homelessness in America is also valuable. Wagner’s book is primarily a history of efforts to reduce or end homelessness. The author covers attitudes toward those who were homeless, advocates’ protests, programs providing services, and efforts to raise money and awareness. Although the book looks briefly at some social theories, it does not focus on future solutions or policy proposals.

 

Yankoski, Mike. Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America. Updated and expanded edition. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Multnomah Books, 2010.

An account of the experiences of two young Christian men who spent five months living homeless on the streets in several cities across the country and the homeless individuals they meet. While no doubt this book could be critiqued on several levels, the observations and reflections of the author can still be helpful for people who have had little exposure to homelessness.

Reports

Boston Area

 

State of Massachusetts

The Boston Foundation Report on Family Homelessness. Rog, Debra J., Kathryn A. Henderson, Andrew L. Greer, Kathryn M. Kulbicki, Linda Weinreb, The Growing Challenge of Family Homelessness: Homeless Assistance for Families in Massachusetts: Trends in…

The Boston Foundation Report on Family Homelessness. Rog, Debra J., Kathryn A. Henderson, Andrew L. Greer, Kathryn M. Kulbicki, Linda Weinreb, The Growing Challenge of Family Homelessness: Homeless Assistance for Families in Massachusetts: Trends in Use FY2008-FY2016. Boston: The Boston Foundation, 2017.

This report seeks to help the reader “understand the changes in the growth and composition of the homeless family population …and the nature of families’ experiences in the Emergency Assistance programs” (11).  It can help inform efforts to prevent and reduce family homelessness and help measure progress. The report documents family homelessness from 2008 to 2016, a period when over 33,000 families with over 100,000 individuals received shelter through the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Program (7). The study looked at how long families are staying in shelters, finding the length of stay increased from an average of 247 days in 2008 to 360 days in 2016 (8). During that period the number of families in shelters increased 93% (11), although recent data indicate a hopeful decline in 2016. Churches can directly help prevent families from becoming homeless, but they should also be aware of state assistance programs they can refer people to. This report focuses on two of these programs: (1) Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), which provides financial support and services to prevent homelessness, and (2) HomeBASE, which provides help in finding alternatives to entering a shelter or stabilization after being in a shelter.

 

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: Basic Facts on Homelessness in Massachusetts and Across the Country

For those who want to learn about and have a voice in policy decisions, the Coalition is a good entry point and source of current statistics and facts.

 

Report on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth in Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Youth Counts 2016”.

This report surveyed 502 homeless youth and provides information on where they were staying, what the reasons were for their homelessness, and the kinds of services they need. By the Massachusetts Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

 

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Monthly Reports on Family Homelessness and Emergency Assistance

 

National

2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a report to the U.S. Congress on the extent and nature of homelessness in the United States. It provides counts of people experiencing homelessness and describes their demographic characteristics and service use patterns. It has become the central resource for national data on homelessness, used by federal, state, and local policymakers to understand trends in homelessness and inform their policies. The AHAR is based on local data from Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, Housing Inventory Counts (HIC), and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS).

 
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Starlight Practicum.jpeg

STARLIGHT MINISTRIES

Since 1990, Starlight Ministries has equipped individuals to build life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. Starlight trains individuals and groups in classroom settings as well as hands-on ministry venues. These opportunities provide the Church and those struggling with homelessness with effective tools for building communities where all can experience personal transformation through Jesus Christ.

Starlight develops church-community collaborations, so that each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened.

 

Boston Rescue Mission

39 Kingston House, Boston. Phone - (617) 338-9000

The Boston Rescue Mission continues to aid the homeless and poor of Greater Boston to self-sufficiency by assisting women and men in confronting and overcoming the root causes of their homelessness. To this end, the Mission provides basic life necessities such as food and shelter as well as social service programs. The goal is to provide the homeless and poor with the support, training, and resources necessary to sustain independent living for a lifetime. In addition to providing basic housing and meals, Boston Rescue Mission has a Residential Recovery Program, a Sober Living Program, an outpatient counseling center, Bible studies, and spiritual mentoring.

The Mission has many opportunities for individuals and small groups (2 to 6) of volunteers preparing and serving meals daily and on Sunday afternoons, doing maintenance, cleaning, laundry, office & computer work, manning the front desk, driving & pick-up with vans, and Saturday outreach (with food) and prayer on the Boston Common.

 

Home With Friends

Home With Friends is a collaborative Christian ministry which seeks to educate, encourage, and equip local churches to minister to families that are homeless by offering training, support

and mentoring opportunities. The three groups which collaborate with the Home With Friends program are Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore, Sanger Center for Compassion, and Starlight Ministries of Emmanuel Gospel Center. Lora Wooster and Sara Mitchell train and work with church teams of 8-12 people who develop a long-term (1-2 year) mentoring friendship with a family in transition, help with a rental subsidy, and offer the family their time, talents, encouragement and ongoing friendship.

If you or your church would like to get involved, call Lora Wooster at 617-939-3709 or Sara Mitchell at 617-262-4567.


Other organizations


Boston's Emergency Shelter Commission   

The Emergency Shelter Commission's mission is to coordinate the City's efforts to prevent and end homelessness and hunger through proactive planning, policy analysis, program development and advocacy with our city, state, federal and community partner agencies. The Commission's goal is to eradicate hunger and homelessness by seeking systemic solutions to these challenging socio-economic problems. The ESC coordinates a safety net of services and provides information and referral to homeless and hungry citizens in need.

 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless

This pioneering organization’s “mission is to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women and children in the greater Boston area. The integrated care model at BHCHP unites physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, case managers and behavioral health professionals in close collaboration. They follow patients in a variety of settings - on the streets, at the Barbara McInnis House, in our shelter-based clinics, in the hospitals and in housing - providing regular contact and uninterrupted care.”

 

Boston Public Health Commission

"The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission's Homeless Services Bureau is to improve the quality of life of Boston's homeless citizen's by providing emergency shelter, social services, and housing search services." - from the Homeless Services Bureau Mission Statement.  Directory of Emergency Shelters 

 

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge offers a comprehensive range of services for youth ages 14 to 24 in a positive and safe environment. These programs for homeless, runaway, and high-risk youth include street outreach and the Mobile Medical Van, counseling, a drop in center, education, and some residential programs.

 

Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness

The mission of the ICHH is to provide the forum where new strategies in support of affordable housing development and to address the issues of homelessness among all populations are formulated. These new strategies will enhance the coordination and prioritization of housing resources and services of all types in support of vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth.

 

Pine Street Inn

Pine Street Inn provides a comprehensive range of services, including permanent supportive housing, job training and placement, emergency shelter and street outreach to more than 1,900 homeless men and women each day. The food services training program trains 100 men and women each year for jobs in the food services industry.

 

Rosie’s Place

889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

Rosie’s Place offers three meals a day, a food pantry, and emergency shelter for women. The advocacy staff assist with housing, educational and employment opportunities, clothing, wellness care, transportation and emergency funds for eviction prevention and medications. It is located at 02118.  Volunteers are welcome.

 

St. Francis House

39 Boylston Street / Boston, Massachusetts 02116

St. Francis House is a day shelter offering a variety of services for people who are homeless. It has many volunteer opportunities. In addition to a medical clinic and counseling services, St. Francis House offers the Moving Ahead Program (MAP) which is a 14-week job- and life-skills training program   The Next Step Housing Program in their building provides single-occupancy rooms for 56 single, low-income men and women.

 

Women’s Lunch Place

Located on the lower level of the Church of the Covenant at 67 Newbury Street, The Women’s Lunch Place is open from Monday through Saturday from 7:00am until 2:00pm. A continental style breakfast is available from 8:00am – 10:00am, and lunch is served restaurant style at 12:00pm.  In addition to meals, classes are offered on a variety of topics including literacy, computer skills, housing and legal issues, employment, financial literacy, nutrition, and stress reduction. Health care, counseling, clothing, and personal care items are available as well.

 
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by EGC Starlight Ministries

Since 1990, Starlight Ministries has equipped individuals to build life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. Starlight trains individuals and groups in classroom settings as well as hands-on ministry venues. These opportunities provide the Church and those struggling with homelessness with effective tools for building communities where all can experience personal transformation through Jesus Christ.

To learn more, click on the diagram to see the full document.

To learn more, click on the diagram to see the full document.

 
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For the complete Starlight System Diagram and opportunities for churches to engage, click anywhere on the diagram. Source: Starlight Ministries, Emmanuel Gospel Center.

 
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