This week’s post promotes a tangible opportunity for the Christian community to serve the least of these. We strongly encourage the UniteBoston community to participate through prayer and action!

Dear Friends,
On October 8, 2014, the bridge connecting Long Island to the mainland of Boston was closed due to safety concerns, shutting down the Long Island shelter and displacing over 700 homeless individuals who called Long Island their home.

Although the city has provided temporary beds, shelters have continued to be over capacity, resulting in unsanitary conditions. As temperatures fall, the crisis has become urgent. Dozens of faith leaders have come together knowing that action is necessary to ensure safety for our friends on the street.

The mission of the Religious Leaders for Long Island Refugees is to advocate for an adequate stable, and dignified response for the displaced refugees. We also seek to educate and inform the communities we represent about our deep concerns for the homeless citizens of Boston.

One of the most critical unmet short-term needs that has been identified is for a day shelter. The Day Center will provide a warm and comfortable space for people to gather as an alternative to the streets. The first day center will be at Old South Church, located in Copley Square, Boston. It will be open for guests Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm from January 19th to March 31st.

We are trying to change this narrative through prayer, faith, and action. Please join us in this most important effort in the following ways:

VOLUNTEER – The biggest need right now is building a consistent & trained volunteer team. We are seeking caring individuals to volunteer so that the shelter can open. There are two shifts each day: 8:30am to 12:30pm and 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Volunteers will be required to attend a 3-hour training led by Starlight Ministries and submit background checks. We hope volunteers can commit to at least two shifts during the time frame that the temporary shelter is in operation. To sign up to volunteer, enter the following web address (URL) on your computer: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F094BACAA29A0F58-boston The tool will guide you to choose date/s and times that are convenient for you.

GIVE – The cost for adequate staffing and supplies for the day shelter is $37,800, so financial resources are most critical at this point. Checks should be addressed to the City Mission Society of Boston, 14 Beacon Street #203 Boston MA 02108 with Boston Warm in the memo line.

PRAY – Please keep those affected by the shelter closure in your prayers.

SPREAD THE WORD – We appreciate your help in spreading the word of this important situation to people of faith in congregations throughout the city.

Thank you for choosing to make a difference in the lives of people who are truly the less of these.

Sincerely,

Boston Religious Leaders for Long Island
http://bostonwarm.weebly.com