It snowed in Worcester this morning. I drove through the city and saw how many people were on the street without warm clothing or anything to ease their misery. The city, as of this writing, has yet to announce any plans for an emergency winter shelter. The situation is bleak to put it mildly.
The one bright spot for me is Worcester Fellowship. People who find their way to us have the opportunity to have their basic needs met. While we cannot offer housing, we can provide many things that make their lives a bit more tolerable. Every Thursday they join us for a hot meal and a bagged lunch to go. We give clothing, toiletries, boots, shoes, and the ever needed socks. And for a few hours they come into a place where they are accepted and appreciated for who they are. Every Sunday they gather outside the church for a non denominational service. They leave with a bagged lunch and with the knowledge that they have been seen and appreciated. The single most tragic thing that those on the street will tell you is that they feel invisible. We connect with them to help them feel the opposite.
Being housing and hunger challenged is one of the most isolating situations a human being can find themselves in. They are alone, scared, and carrying tremendous needs. Coming together with others who share their situation, along with the support and resources they receive, lessens their burdens enormously.
We treat our clients with dignity and respect and with true compassion for what they are going through. One couple came in recently and we learned they were living on the street. When we asked what they needed, they didn’t want to ask for anything. We convinced them to let us know what would help. They left that day with sleeping bags, blankets, and a tent. With tears in their eyes they told us, “You have truly just saved our lives.” That is the magic of Worcester Fellowship.
This is humble and extremely rewarding work for all involved. Through the Fellowship people have escaped hunger, connected to community resources, and found companions who visit them at home and in the hospital. While the major portion of our needs are met through volunteer service, we continue to pay for professional pastoral and worship resources as well as provide necessities beyond what is donated. A one time or monthly donation goes a long way to feed, clothe, and care for those who have been made most vulnerable in our midst through a host of personal and systemic challenges. Especially in these current times, the need is more urgent than ever.
We invite you to join us as we care for our fellow human beings. Unlike many other nonprofit faith based organizations, we have very little overhead, no building to maintain, and few tangible assets except those we carry with us to create space for worship and hospitality. A donation of any size will be gratefully received.
You can submit your donation digitally by scanning the QR code below or by visiting our donation page. Please email us with any questions about our organization or your donation.
We thank you for your kindness and support.
Denise Darrigrand, Board President
Rev. Aaron Payson, Pastoral Care
Rev. Laura Goodwin, Pastoral Care
