RL, Winsor, and Pine Street Inn: Helping Create Homes
On February 24, seniors from Roxbury Latin and The Winsor School teamed up for a joint service initiative, in collaboration with the Pine Street Inn, which has been assisting Boston’s homeless population for 50 years. RL’s senior boys hosted their Winsor counterparts for an evening on campus; first students heard from Matt Ferrer of Pine Street Inn in the Evans Choral Room, where Mr. Ferrer presented on the organization’s housing initiatives.
Afterwards student broke into small groups and spent an hour putting together welcome baskets with home goods that they had been collecting for several weeks prior—items including bedding and cleaning supplies, toiletries and cooking utensils, ironing boards and shower curtains, bath towels and coffee mugs—all things that newly-housed residents could use to set up their new apartments and feel at home. The students collected enough items to fill 30 welcome baskets; they also created cards and posters welcoming residents to their new homes. The evening concluded with dinner in the Bernstein Tea Room—fried chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, and a make-your-own sundae bar.
The Pine Street Inn is the largest resource for homeless men and women in New England. Today, Pine Street is increasingly focused on providing permanent, supportive housing for homeless people, and has placed more than 1,200 individuals into homes to date. This approach is one of the fastest-growing solutions to homelessness in Boston and across the country. Roxbury Latin has long been a service partner with Pine Street Inn, and students and faculty volunteer in various capacities in connection with the organization throughout the school year. Special thanks to Mrs. Carroll and Mr. Pojman for coordinating this evening of service and socializing.