Helping people experiencing homelessness to reclaim their lives
Maureen O’Connell is a friend I’ve been watching post on social media for a while now, about the work she does with Friends of Boston’s Homeless. The thing that I really appreciate about her posts is the compassion she, and the organization, shows to people who many times often are treated with complete disrespect. I asked Maureen a few questions about Friends of Boston’s Homeless, how she got involved, and how you can help if you want to.
Tell us about Friends of Boston’s Homeless and what they do.
Friends of Boston’s Homeless supports solutions-oriented programs with proven track records that help people transition from the streets and shelters into safe, dignified housing and reclaim their lives. The final transition steps out of homelessness are often the most crucial, and we help make them happen. A few of our initiatives include donation drives, housing start-up funding (first/last month rent, security deposit) and partnering with local banks to match savings account contributions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
With so many ways to help other people, why was it important to you to get involved with the issue of homelessness?
On a personal level, individuals in my family and former students of mine have experienced homelessness during their life. There were many reasons for homelessness: mental health, behavioral issues, loss of employment, and this became my forward mission to solve this crisis. I had volunteered in soup kitchens, but individuals would come and go, and as a sociologist I wanted to learn more, I was searching for something more. It’s hard as an individual to find volunteer opportunities, many of the spots are taken by companies so it leaves less individual spots open. That’s when a friend introduced me to Friends of Boston’s Homeless. I am now on the Board of Directors and Co-Lead a group of Young Professionals who share our passion of ending homelessness. With serious structural issues to tackle and given my background it’s where I believe I can contribute best. I’ve lived in Boston most of my life so this is a way to give back to our community doing mission-critical work while raising awareness to the homelessness crisis.
What do you wish people understood about people who are experiencing homelessness?
What I wish people would understand about individuals who are experiencing homelessness is this, they are human beings, and ones who did not decide on a Tuesday morning to become homeless. Talk to them, find out who they are and what their story is, everyone has one. Many individuals in the shelters are working full or part-time while struggling with mental health issues, comorbidities, some are Veterans, while others had to leave abusive and domestic situations, and it is a domino effect. Let’s eradicate the stereotypes and focus on housing first. Let’s eliminate the barriers of upward mobility in our society and provide that safe and stable place to sleep at night. Recently while I was handing out Blessing Bags at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston, an individual said thank you, turned around, and said we’re not bad people you know. Let that be the message today.
How can people get involved to help?
I would love it if more people were involved with Friends of Boston’s Homeless. It takes a village to solve the homelessness crisis. We don’t operate in silos, It’s happening in urban and suburban areas and with the Covid-19 pandemic and the racial injustices in our world, I fear that there will be more individuals who will experience homelessness.
You don’t need to live in Boston to volunteer. Each month there are different needs, but organizing a sock drive is something that can be done all year long. Because they are disposable, socks are the most-needed item year round. Organize a clothing drive, toiletry drive, make blessing bags and housewarming baskets for individuals moving into supportive or permanent housing. All of this can be done in a virtual environment. Items can be drop off | mail to: Southampton Street Shelter, 112 Southampton Street, Boston MA 02118.
A group of the Young Professionals and I recently made shower caddies for women who moved into supportive and permanent housing. They had to leave abusive and domestic situations and were homeless for a very long time. Earlier this month, we made goody bags + cards for Galentine’s Day to let the shelter guests know that they are thought of. In March, my passion project is to focus on making housewarming baskets, would love your help!
Thank you Pebbles for allowing me the opportunity to share Friends of Boston’s Homeless with you and your community. And thank you all for reading!
If you have questions or would like to get involved reach out to Maureen O’Connell at onemeo@gmail.com and put FoBH in the subject line. Would love your support! In the meantime, be well, and follow the Young Professionals on Instagram: @fobh_yp
If you wish to make a financial donation you may do so here https://www.fobh.org/donate/ For more information check out our website https://www.fobh.org/ and follow us on social media: Twitter @Beyond_Shelter and Facebook Friends of Boston’s Homeless
