Ecclesia Ministries

CONTACT:

35 Bowdoin Street
Boston, MA 02114
617/523-7875

The Reverend Dr. Deborah W. Little

DESCRIPTION:

Founded more than a decade ago, Ecclesia Ministries, an Episcopal urban ministry, brings together the homeless and the “housed” for worship, fellowship and educational opportunities. EM offers a diverse group of programs designed to offer the basic necessities of life to people on the street while incorporating support for the often overlooked spiritual needs of this group. It serves more than 1,000 men and women on the streets, in institutions and in the shelter programs of Boston each year. With common cathedral, a weekly outdoor worship service held on Boston Common serving as the nucleus, EM offers a spiritual home for Boston’s homeless. Every week, a regular community of homeless and housed members gathers together for a simple worship service followed by a meal, Gospel reflection, and assistance from volunteer nurses and lawyers. The service includes members from traditional parishes and those without church affiliations, as well as tourists, volunteers, local residents, and more than 500 young people from suburban parishes annually. The Ford Foundation has awarded EM a grant to explore replication of its work in other areas of the country. EM ministers to the “whole” person, recognizing that a person is more than just the some of his/her parts, or “issues.” Please help them continue this vital work.

(2004: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)