"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind ...” 

  -Luke 14:13

We believe in nonjudgmental and compassionate support for all of God's children. 
 

The St. Clare of Assisi Homelessness Outreach is a ministry that serves the vulnerable population in the Peabody, MA, area. 

We establish and maintain professional relationships with new and "old" clients in the catchment area of Peabody. We meet clients "where they're at" both geographically (e.g. on a park-bench, at a train station, on the street, etc.) and personally (e.g., intoxicated or sober). We establish and maintain professional relationships with other service providers, local businesses, and concerned citizens in at least the catchment area. We also connect clients with desired programs through direct referrals. 

If you are in need of help or require more information please call Jill at:  (267) 481-5725

(See our Mission page for a calendar of free meals in Peabody.)

In conversation with some coworkers today, one of them said that homeless people should have to work for their meals just like the rest of us.

I said, "Okay, I know a man who is homeless. He'd be happy to work. He's got a business degree. He would be happy to come clean your house, do your yard work, or help you with your filing, walk your dogs, babysit your kids, or just about any office job. What time tomorrow should he see you?"

They all just looked at me.

I said, "Mind you, he's homeless, so he hasn't showered in a while and the only clothes he has are the ones on his back because he lost all his stuff last week when he got picked up for vagrancy and they wouldn't let him go back for his bag. It would be a few weeks before what you are paying him is enough to get shelter and such."
And still they stared at me.

I finished, "See, it isn't that easy. He can't get a job because he's homeless with no access to hot water or clean clothes. He can't get access to shelter, hot water, or clean clothes without a job. You want him to work for his meals? Give him a hand out of the vicious circle. Stop pretending that all he has to do is get a job."