Homeless Programs In Somerville Seek Help In Coronavirus Crisis

SOMERVILLE, MA — The Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition issued a plea for help this week to keep its services open during the coronavirus crisis. The organization said demand for its services increased "exponentially" as shelters and food pantries in the area closed.

The Coalition canceled its gala, which was expected to raise $160,000.

"As this virus outbreak touches us you can be sure that the homeless and disadvantaged will suffer even more. The poor stay poor ...the homeless remain homeless ....the hungry remain hungry, their need becomes greater," the organization wrote on its GoFundMe page. "Simply put, they become even more untouchable as services close around our community because social distancing is a way of life for them already."

The Coalition's fundraising campaign to keep its food, prevention and support programs and adult and family shelter open has surpassed its $70,000 goal in less than a week. Its food program Project SOUP has served 300 families this month and expects that number to rise to 600, which the organization called an "unprecedented increase."

"We rely on the generosity and compassion of our community members to be able to continue to do this essential work," the Coalition wrote.

Click here to contribute to the Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition's campaign. GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.