What Can Be Done?
Be Aware of the Issue and Don't Dismiss It
Smaller Scale: Taking the time to notice those who are experiencing homelessness such as saying hi, asking their name, and offering acknowledgement - what they ask others to do everyday. For example, we acknowledge our loved ones, friends and peers every day; acknowledging those who are suffering/hurting is important.
Larger Scale: Read Policies that are instituted by Boston, Massachusetts and the United States.
To read up on policies go to the sites below!
Massachusettes: https://mahomeless.org/public-policy/
https://mahomeless.org/basic-facts/
United States: https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/
https://endhomelessness.org/ending-homelessness/policy/relevant-legislation/
Words from Sophia - Winter Walk Community Engagement Coordinator
About Me
Hi everyone! My name is Camille Boursiquot and I'm a senior at Fontbonne Academy. I chose to shed light on the issue of homelessness in Massachusetts and the United States because it's such as huge issue and the issue/wrong doing of people being without a home is very heartbreaking and upsetting. The United Nations has defined access to housing as a human right and if one of us is without a home we have failed. Seeing people without a home specifically in Boston hit very close to home for me because this is our city and people are without shelter. It's very sad, especially in winter when it gets very cold some people have nowhere to go. I hope that my social justice project will shed light on this issue, create a small change and allow people to learn more about this injustice.
Action
My Action Plans
Volunteering at Boston's Rescue Mission:
Take a few Fontbonne juniors and seniors to volunteer at Boston's Rescue Mission on March 18th 2023. We would prepare, set up and serve meals, wash dishes, and clean up after meals.
Have A School Wide Sticker Drive or Donate to Organizations:
I want to have a school wide sticker drive and have all the proceeds go to near by shelters dedicated to helping the homeless. I would donate to St. Francis House and Rosie's Place.
Attend Winter Walk 2023 and Meet With A Winter Walk Representative
Winter Walk is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the homeless and their mission is "homeless is within our reach" I want to participate in the walk to end homelessness on Feb. 12, 2023. I also want to meet with a Winter Walk representative to gain more information on how we can help!
What Have I Done?
Winter Walk 2023
I was able to participate in the annual Winter Walk on February 12, 2023. It was a great and empowering event held in Copley Square Boston, where you walk side by side with the homeless. Winter Walk believes that "ending homelessness is within their reach" and we can all make an impact. I was able to hear a story about a homeless couple who was seperated but were able to come back together and have their forever home. I was able to represent/walk with Brookview House.
St. Paul's Food Pantry
For the past 2 years, I've been able to volunteer at my local food pantry in Cambridge, MA. I have been able to create great relationships with other volunteers and been able to have great conversations with those who come to the food pantry. Being able to joke and laugh with everyone there has truly been so much fun and seeing everyone come together as a community every week is so nice. The Pantry is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00pm (noon) at St. Paul's Parish in Cambridge.
Meeting with My Mentor
I have also met and emailed with my mentor who works at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. She told me things we could do to combat homelessness such as...
Working to raise awareness
Working to put policies in place to help families
Creating affordable housing near transit/cities (these kinds of policies)
Working to get rid of the hurdles people face, such as: applying for benefits (going in person, hours, rates), needing to go to the RMV, waiting in line, and other things.
Better access to mental health services
Meeting With Winter Walk Representative
On February 22nd, 2023 I had a great conversation with Sophia, a community engagement coordinator at Winter Walk. We had an excellent discussion about homelessness in Boston, why homelessness is a huge issue nationwide and in Boston, ways we can help others. We also discussed why Winter Walk started and what we can do to combat homelessness and break stigmas. She says what helps to combat homelessness are small scale differences such as trying to start conversations and realizing that homelessness is not an identifier but just a state of being.
Volunteering at Boston Rescue Mission
On March 18, 2023 I was able to volunteer at Boston Rescue mission with Ella Uniac '24 (a junior at Fontbonne) and my mom (Régine Boursiquot). I opened this to Fontbonne's junior and senior classes. We cut up meats in the kitchen and we also cleaned up the kitchen as well. Later that day we also gave the Men's shelter in Cambridge pastries.
