A Thanksgiving Thank You!
Crossroads is most known for its congregate homeless shelter on Havre Street, where 15 families, including more than 20 children, will stay this holiday season. But hundreds of low-income East Boston residents turn to Crossroads for another reason: food assistance.
Strained budgets drove people from all walks of life to Crossroads on Sunday November 20th to collect free turkeys, fresh vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
In just a few hours, Crossroads distributed more than 300 turkeys. By day’s end, a few dozen frozen turkeys remained; these were shared with other East Boston community organizations to distribute to other families in need. Crossroads families were not forgotten. Two turkeys were set aside to be cooked for the families’ Thanksgiving dinner.
This success would not have been possible without our generous turkey donors: St. Mary of the Assumption Church, St. Bridget’s Parish, and Holy Family Parish and volunteers: The Arcuri Family, Debbie, and Eileen. On behalf of the East Boston community, and Crossroads staff and families, we would like to express our overwhelming gratitude.
Open House Event
On the morning of Wednesday, May 25, Crossroads held an Open House for our contributors and community leaders. Our supporters didn’t blink an eye by the change of venue and format. We did away with the formal “bells-and-whistles” of a hotel event/dinner, and met in the basement hall of the Most Holy Redeemer Parish for discussion and open house. This “no-frills” gathering for our major donors and elected officials was an opportunity to be in honest dialogue about the social and economic challenges facing homeless families and service providers.
It was a timely conversation, as Speaker DeLeo and his colleagues had recently completed the House version of FY 2012 budget, and Senator Petruccelli was headed to the statehouse for Senate budget deliberations. Both budgets call for a significant shift of resources away from shelters and toward short-term housing subsidies. Event guests, including former Senate President Robert Travaglini, discussed ways to create a more sustainable future for Crossroads and families served. Among some new promising strategies, we agreed that continued investment from the private sector will be essential, and acknowledged Logan Communications’ Richard Goldberg for “keeping Crossroads’ doors open” through his generous, multi-year sponsorships.
Crossroads resident Rosa Delgado gave a moving account of her time in shelter, demonstrating why she is an “investment” for the state of Massachusetts. Another resident, Crystal Clark, led guests on a tour of the shelter; she spoke eloquently about living alongside 14 other homeless families and sharing a room with her three children. Donors were able to see firsthand how we put their contributions to work.
Special guests included East Boston High School students led by English teacher Michele O’Neil and Headmaster Michael Rubin. For one of their final assignments, the students selected a service project to benefit Crossroads. One student assured us “This will not be the last time I give to Crossroads.”
Crossroads Director with East Boston High School Teacher Michelle O'Neil and Students
Crossroads resident Crystal Clark tours guests through the shelter
Guests at Crossroads Open House Fundraiser
Crossroads Children Attend Event
Director Audrey Savikas with Crossroads Resident Rosa Delgado
DeLeo, Petruccelli, LaMattina panel
