We have long connections with several organization that work in the area of affordable housing, food insecurity and working with children and families in Roxbury. Some of us volunteer regularly in these efforts or help raise money. The church through the Social Action Committee often supports these organizations financially.
- Affordable Housing
First Parish is member of the Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA), a community organization that promotes affordable housing in town by buying two-family houses and small apartment buildings to rent at below-market rates to low and moderate income families. HCA also administers a Homelessness Prevention Fund designed to help families over a difficult time, allowing them to stay in their homes. There are a number of annual volunteer activities for HCA: the Walk for Affordable Housing in April, outdoor clean-up days at various properties in the Spring and the Fall, and help with fundraising mailings. For more information on HCA check out their website, https://housingcorparlington.org/. First Parish members Debby Lewis and Jan Blodgett can share HCA’s current needs as well as the First Parish/HCA connection.
- Food Insecurity
Every day, thousands of people in Massachusetts suffer from hunger because they cannot afford adequate food. Arlington EATS’ mission is to eliminate food insecurity by providing nutritious and culturally appropriate food in a respectful and compassionate manner to any Arlington resident in need. For more information on how to help out see https://www.arlingtoneats.org/help/how-to-help/.
First Parish has long been a partner with the food pantry and we welcome your participation in this effort! Donation boxes are by the front door and the office door. Please consider donating. It is an easy way to help your neighbor and support Arlington EATS.
- Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry (UUUM)
First Parish volunteers assist with projects at the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM). They include help with major mailings, package and distribution produce at Fair Foods Saturdays in Roxbury and sponsoring the June picnic for Explorer students and their families. Contact uuum@firstparish.info or http://www.uuum.org/ for current opportunities.