Current Events

The Rescueteers Walked 20 Miles for Project Bread

The 2013 Hunger Walk

Lauren, Sarah, Megan, and Reilly at the starting line

On Sunday, May 5th, a team of Boston Rescue Mission staff walked 20 miles together in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger.

The team felt called to walk because the Boston Rescue Mission could not offer its lifesaving meals without Project Bread’s continued support of our organization and our community.

The Mission’s team was made up of AmeriCorps VISTA members Lauren and Reilly, and case managers Megan and Sarah. After witnessing the effects of hunger everyday at the Mission they were all excited to put on their walking shoes in order to provide healthy and nutritious meals to the people who need it most.

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our fundraising goal!

The Rescueteers

Tim Smith Wins Ed O'Neil Award

MHSA Presents Inaugural Award to Longime Mission Case Manager

From L to R Rep. Martin J. Walsh, Tim Smith and Rosalie O'Neil
Photo courtesy MHSA

When Tim Smith started handing out towels at the Boston Rescue Mission, he never thought he would receive an award for it.

But at the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) on December 6, he sure did.

Tim received MHSA's inagural Ed O'Neil Award, given to a distinguished direct care worker based at one of MHSA's member agencies who, through his or her work, has demonstrated a strong commitment to ending homelessness. In his remarks, Tim thanked the O'Neil family, his workplace mentors, and his most cherished role models--6 brothers, 2 sisters, and deceased parents--who shaped his career in helping those around him.

"Sometimes what we see and hear is heartbreaking," says Tim about his work, "and yet we will also be able to bear witness to kindness, recovery, and the healing of spirits that makes us joyful."

After a bout of homelessness, Tim began his time at the Boston Rescue Mission volunteering in the overnight shelter. Over the past ten years, Tim filled many positions, but today oversees the Mission's Safe Haven program for homeless veterans, the On the Job training program, and maintains a caseload as well.

A recent graduate of the Safe Haven program sent a letter concerning Tim’s leadership. A portion of that letter reads as follows: “Throughout my stay at the house I had established what I consider an excellent rapport with Mr. Smith. At all times his professional demeanor was beyond reproach and his “Can Do – Will Do” attitude in assisting the veteran was inexhaustible….However, perhaps the most significant attribute that he possessed, was his personal compassion, kindness, and absolute respect for the veteran. It was rather refreshing to observe how he always made himself accessible to all….Simply, it is individuals like Tim that make this program a success. And I am living proof of this.”

While working full-time at the Mission, Tim earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor certification. Tim's dedication to lifting up homeless individuals inspires program members and staff alike, and the whole Mission community joins in celebrating Tim's care for people in need.

Home Depot Foundation Supports Veterans Housing

When the staff at the Safe Haven Veterans facility discovered two problems--water seeping through the basement and a rotted sewer pipe, they knew a remodel was in order. As we searched for partners for our new projects, we discovered the Home Depot Foundation, whose mission is “to ensure that every veteran has a safe place to call home”. Realizing our common goal, the Mission quickly contacted the folks at the Home Depot Foundation, who know a thing or two about pipes and remodeling projects.

After reviewing our project proposal, the Home Depot Foundation committed to a generous $150,000 gift to remodel our Safe Haven Veterans facility! Major project components include diverting water and sealing basement walls and floors, and building offices and programming areas downstairs. This remodel will expand the usable space for the 10 unit house, and improve programming options for veterans as they seek permanent housing.

Beyond this gift, the Home Depot Foundation has committed more than $50 million over the next three years to support housing programs for veterans nationwide. Since nearly one in every seven homeless adults has served in the military, this support touches a lot of veterans across the nation who are struggling with homelessness.

Here at the Boston Rescue Mission our goal is to facilitate a healthy transition for veterans into permanent housing and we are so thankful to the Home Depot Foundation for supporting our vision.

NHL and TD Garden Feed the Hungry After Every Event

After finalizing details for the Bruins games, the donation policy was graciously extended to all TD Garden events, including Boston Celtics games, concerts--any time concessions are sold. We're very thankful for the blessings we receive!

Thanks also to David Filipov at the Boston Globe for his coverage of this story.