As the seasons shift and we welcome the renewal of spring, we are reminded that just as nature moves in cycles, so too must our commitment to caring for one another remain steadfast throughout the year. This spirit of continual compassion was powerfully embodied in the Winter Walk, an annual event that brings together Boston’s community in support of those experiencing homelessness.
On a cold and snowy February morning, hundreds of participants braved the weather to walk through the city in solidarity with their unhoused neighbors. The event was a powerful act of witness, a reminder that even in the harshest conditions, no one should be forgotten. In the event, individuals who have faced homelessness shared their stories, offering a deeply moving perspective on the realities of life without stable shelter. Their voices echoed through the streets, reminding all who listened that behind every statistic is a human being with a journey worth honoring.
Many of Boston’s most dedicated service organizations came together for this cause, including St. Francis House, Women’s Lunch Place, and numerous other nonprofits and corporate partners committed to providing essential resources to those in need. Their presence underscored the strength of collaboration in addressing homelessness as a shared community responsibility.
For St. Anthony Shrine, participation in the Winter Walk was a natural extension of its Franciscan mission to serve the poor and marginalized with dignity and love. The Shrine’s ministries, including The Rita A. DiMento Women’s Clinic for homeless women’s healthcare, The Franciscan Food Center for weekly and monthly food distributions, The Mychal Judge Center for Counseling and Recovery for mental health and substance use support, and The Lazarus Ministry for dignified funerals and burials for the homeless, all embody this commitment. Walking side by side with those they serve as a reaffirmation of the belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for.
The event also saw city leadership come together in a unified message of hope. Mayor Michelle Wu and former mayor Marty Walsh spoke passionately about the importance of sustained community efforts—not just for a day, but until the cycle of homelessness is broken for good. Their words reinforced what was already clear in the faces of those walking: change happens when people show up, listen, and commit to action.
The Winter Walk was a testament to the power of collective compassion, a call to embrace the Franciscan spirit of service, and a reminder that every step we take toward justice brings us closer to a world where no one is left behind.
