St. Anthony Shrine is a part of the answer to in the present day’s tent ban alongside the long-neglected Mass and Cass encampment.
“We’re going to get people into programs and change their lives,” stated Fr. Thomas Conway, govt director of St. Anthony Shrine. “They just need a trained social worker to give them a little push.”
That’s the place the Shrine’s Mary Ann Ponti, director of outreach applications at St. Anthony Shrine, goes to work.
“God bless Mary Ann,” stated Conway. “She’s working on the mayor’s teams and is spending part of the week over on Mass and Cass.”
The Shrine, situated in Downtown Crossing on Arch Street, has been a respite for the soul and for the hungry for many years. The friars and workers maintain their annual fundraising gala tonight and donations go to missions just like the one alongside Mass and Cass.
Conway stated there’s nobody reply to the opioid epidemic — seen in its uncooked actuality within the encampment — however it’s a must to start with every particular person.
“The answer is walking into a group of people and talking to each person. One you tell to ‘go home.’ Someone else needs help with heroin addiction or needs Alcoholics Anonymous; some need to go to Pine Street while others who have a warrant out on them need to go to court,” he added.
Conway stated whereas the remainder of Boston networks, some aren’t that adept at asking for assist or seeing there’s a method out off the streets.
The Shrine is one place that has all the time been a beacon for many who don’t get a lot gentle of their life. Today can be a troublesome transition for some alongside Mass and Cass — and the Shrine will as soon as once more be a part of the answer.
To donate to the Shrine, go their web site at stanthonyshrine.org.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”