By Joyce DeWallace, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – “Real faith translates into work with others,” explained Gina Kuravilla, director of Religious Education for the St. Mary Parish of Shrewsbury. “We believe in a comprehensive approach to faith, and how it translates into the real world, and how it forms us as members of the community.”
This summer, volunteers from the parish began a new program of community service with the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Greater Worcester.
“I knew of the IHN through a friend. The program helps homeless families get on their feet. Many parishes, synagogues and churches provide volunteers who help out. Our pastor, Fr. Michael Rose, was involved with the project when he was in Grafton,” said Bridgid Rubin, the volunteer coordinator of IHN for St. Mary’s.
The Social Justice Ministry decided to begin working with the group this year, and the first volunteers began their outreach in August.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network is a nonprofit organization that has successfully involved the religious community with homeless families for almost 20 years. Until two years ago, the participating congregations would provide shelter and food in churches and temples for two weeks at a time. This led to a very nomadic existence for the families, according to Rubin. It was particularly difficult for children of school age.
Two years ago, IHN acquired a permanent home at 91 June St. in Worcester. The triple decker can house up to six families at a time. In August the children living in the facility ranged in age from a newborn to 16.
IHN explains that the program serves families who do not qualify for state-funded Emergency Assistance shelter. The program provides a safety net for families who are homeless and accepts families that otherwise would be separated, including men and boys over the age of 13. The goal is to help these families get back on their feet by moving them out of poverty and helping them regain their independence.
The role of the volunteers is to provide support for the regular workforce by staffing the home from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The volunteers are there in case someone needs help, but mostly just to listen and interact.
“It’s their home and we’re their guests,” Rubin said. “It empowers them and lets them entertain us. It was such a moving experience. I’m filled with gratitude for my lot in life and my situation. I was happy to be able to help someone change their own situation. I enjoyed the fellowship and conversation and sense of community.”
There are two shifts: the dinner shift goes from 5 to 9 p.m. and the overnight stay lasts from 9 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Rubin did four of the overnight shifts and slept on a cot in the administrative office.
Kuravilla and her family took a dinner shift and then she and her daughter stayed overnight on air mattresses in the offices.
“I was struck by the resilience of the human spirit,” she said. “The children are so young, yet so strong and joyful with a purity of spirit.”
About a dozen St. Mary’s families participated in the first week of the program.
Both women said there is a huge need for more volunteers as the program expands. St. Mary’s has committed to provide staffing for two weeks a year. Rubin emphasized that everyone is welcome to help.
“Empty nesters, newly retired people or couples without children are perfect for the overnight shifts. The earlier dinner shift is more suitable for families to help them appreciate their own blessings and serve others,” Rubin said. “It provides an opportunity to teach children about giving and interacting with others and gain a new life experience. The volunteers need a giving heart, a sense of humor, the ability to see the big picture and to be totally non-judgmental. It’s another service opportunity in a safe environment; it’s another family home.”
If interested in participating in this outreach program, contact Rubin by email at [email protected].