A symbiotic and unique partnership has evolved between the Homelessness Task Force (HTF) of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and Women’s Lunch Place over the past few years that intends to combat the persistent issue of homelessness in the neighborhood by lending a hand to those in need.
The HTF was formally established in 2019, when a group of eight to 12 Back Bay residents banded together to learn more about the problem of homelessness, and to promote effective programs to prevent and contain street homelessness. The group, which was originally founded by Kathy Young and Vicki Smith, soon found an appreciative partner in Women’s Lunch Place (WLP), a day shelter located at 67 Newbury St., which provides more than 165,000 healthy meals each year, along with advocacy and essential services to women in need.
“A relationship has evolved between NABB and WLP over the last six years. It’s unusual for a neighborhood to welcome a homeless shelter, but that’s exactly the case here,” said Debra Bulkeley, an HTF member and co-co-chair of this year’s Harvest Festival & Auction, which was held Nov. 13, again in the WLP shelter dining room.
In 2021, the HFF partnered with Women’s Lunch Place for the inaugural Harvest Fest – the first benefit event for both organizations.
This fundraiser, which traditionally includes appetizers, cocktails, dinner, beer and wine, and dessert, along with live music and a silent auction, has grown in size and popularity since its inception, with both this year’s event and last year’s event each hosting capacity crowds of 115 guests.
At this year’s event , Serge Savard, vice chair of the NABB board, NABB, and Jennifer Hanlon Wigons , CEO of WLP, both emphasized the strong bond that has developed during the two groups during their respective remarks.
“The funds raised at the Harvest Festival help sustain our daily work – keeping our doors open and our Advocates available to address the specific obstacles each woman may be facing in her path toward stability,” Hanlon Wigon told this reporter. “Support from our neighbors keeps our meals cooking, and our services available for our vulnerable guests. Friendships like the one we share with NABB make a real and tangible difference for the women we serve.”
Meanwhile, HTF also produced its sixth annual Public Forum on Housing and Homelessness in September at the Copley Branch of the Boston Public Library to help further raise awareness of local homelessness.
Visit www.nabbonline.org/
committees/homelessness-
task-force to join or for more information on NABB’s HTF.
For more information on how you can get involved at WLP, visit womenslunchplace.org.