From Fr. Dan & Catholic Charities: Newton Shelter Statement

Dear Friends,

Jesus said: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

For over 30 years, Our Lady’s Parish has partnered with Catholic Charities in providing shelter to families in need on our campus. In October, Cardinal Séan wrote a major letter about immigrant families in dire need of shelter. In November, Catholic Charities approached us with a request for shelter for these families Cardinal Séan wrote about. I gave my whole-hearted approval to this opportunity to care for Jesus, who is really present in those in need.

Recently numerous questions have arisen about the shelter. Catholic Charities and Our Lady’s Finance Council (the part of parish leadership who are most involved with the shelter) have put together the following statement to help provide information. I have read it and I endorse it.

Love and God bless you and all,
--Fr. Dan
Fr. Daniel J. Riley, Pastor
Sacred Heart & Our Lady Churches
573 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02458
Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven. –Pope Francis

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Newton Statement from Parish & Catholic Charities

For over thirty years Our Lady Help of Christians Parish has provided space within its campus for emergency housing for those most in need, mostly women in recovery from addiction or fleeing domestic violence with their children. Due to programmatic changes, two shelter locations became vacant last fall shortly after the governor declared a state of emergency and capped the state’s available shelter beds.

Catholic Charities has been a longtime provider of emergency family shelters for the state, stabilizing families and empowering their upward growth and mobility. They have been a tenant here on the campus for over 30 years doing God’s work. They approached the parish and asked if they could use the spaces for overflow temporary stays for the most vulnerable families. The SafetyNet program is administered through the United Way and is available to families who are struggling including those here legally seeking refuge from persecution, war and deadly environmental conditions. There is no doubt the need is great - and Cardinal Séan O’Malley has urged parishes to respond “generously and effectively” and I am proud to say, we have.

Since November our site has operated as a SafetyNet shelter which serves up to 30 families at a time and will continue to do so through May of this year. The children of these families are not enrolled in local schools as this is a temporary shelter for them as they await placement in more permanent housing. The children range from 10 months up to 8 years old.

Catholic Charities has a policy to not disclose the locations of emergency shelter sites to protect clients and staff. Just this past fall, Catholic Charities USA warned member agencies they are being targeted by those who want to harm to our volunteers, residents, and staff across the country for helping migrants with basic needs. You may notice we have private security on site, and they are there for the safety of our staff and residents - not for any perceived risk to our parish community or neighbors. We do regret that some of the young children staying at this site tested our fire alarms a few times which caused unnecessary response and disturbance. However, other reports of violence at this site are not accurate and we caution those who don’t know the facts from sharing rumors that could cause an unfortunate portrayal of the families we are caring for in our community. The families here are in need of our help, not condemnation. We consider these families people not problems.

We hope that during this time of reflection and while you consider your Lenten commitments you may open your hearts to help those here who are seeking refuge and comfort. The archdiocese has designated the Ash Wednesday collection for Catholic Charities so please offer any support you can and keep these families, especially the small children, in your prayers.