There are just so many good things to say about this place that I'm not sure where to start…read more First, it is not a "shelter" in the typical sense of the word, and the staff and guests do not refer to it as a "shelter". They consider themselves a "community", and act as such. There are NO lines for anything at the WLP. The women are served their meals at their tables by volunteers, and their materials are bussed for them once they are done, unless they choose to self-bus. The food. Oh heavens! WLP prides itself on serving nourishing, FRESH food. Each meal will have all nutritional requirements met, and there is always a veggie option. We're not talking canned goods or sandwiches here, folks. No, this is chopped and diced fresh veggies, prime cut meats, the finest ingredients. If you're a good cook and after you've volunteered a few times, they are happy to let you get in the kitchen and help whip up stuff. The resident chef there, Gina, is wonderfully creative in the kitchen (and very nice), and from time to time, other professional chefs from local restaurants come in to put together a meal. The WLP isn't jsut a food place, although that's the highlight of the day. It also provides the women with full time advocacy support to help with finding housing, food, or other services. There is a computer room/resource room that the ladies may use. There is also a nap room where women can go to get sometimes some much needed rest, and also a quiet room for just some peace, solitude, and maybe reading or reflecting. Women are also able to get various toiletries and clothing that they may need. They may do their laundry and take showers. The Program Manager, Heather (also very, very nice and competent) has done a great job of making sure that there are interesting activities for guests if they choose to participate: yoga, painting, field trips, knitting, etc. Since the WLP is run as a "community", the staff are INCREDIBLY patient with the women, and if a guest is being disorderly or breaking a rule, she is not immediately tossed out, but is counseled and given more than one opportunity to redeem herself by correcting her behavior. Throwing someone out is a last option at the WLP. WLP treats its volunteers as the valuable commodity we are. We are appreciated, thanked, and made to feel a part of the "team". Added Perk: They also have really incredible volunteer thank you events! I enjoy volunteering here. I learn something new and meet new people each time I go. I don't have a lot of spare time to volunteer, but when I do, the WLP gets me all the time, every time. It's important to know that this place could not be so great without us- the community at large supporting it through donations, volunteering, contributions, etc. The staff, Regina, Linda, Joanna, Lauren, Linnie, and Cheryl are terrific- go meet them! This is just a wonderful, wonderful place. You will not leave here without your heart being touched in some way.

Just to add to the great review by Adrienne -- The Women's…read moreLunch Place is an amazing community run by dedicated and caring people. I've volunteered there many times, and the experience was wonderful. The staff is as open, kind and welcoming to volunteers as they are to their ladies. The ladies? Wow. Having the opportunity to really get to know some of the women in this community is a real blessing. The WLP is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities. Try it out!

My company has a strong relationship with this shelter and our principals and colleagues can be…read morefound many times a year volunteering here and helping out any way we can. Homelessness is a huge and growing issue in this country and especially in Massachusetts. Homelessness is up 9% alone in Boston! The number of homeless families is the fastest growing section and this includes women and children. For over 22 years the Friends have built and provided innovative programs that help people achieve self-sufficiency and permanent housing. The Friends offers real solutions to the causes of homelessness, including: - unemployment - addiction - mental illness - disease - unaffordable housing Give them a w/e of your time; monetary support; whatever you can do.

where can I start listennn. I am super happy of where my…read morelife is going right now all thanks to bridge I promise it was rough at first just like any other experience but I promise these people will help you as long as you want to help yourself i Never expected in life to ever be homeless but my experience Was a bumpy ride but I reached my goal you can't come in here with expectations because I've been in this process for 2 years and I finally got my apartment it was a long way but I got it done thank you to Antoinette lessaur I love her dedication and the way she just give you joy she really be pushing people to do great things she was like the person to really push me at the end of the bridge so I can give that big step keep it up girl your doing a great job she Was always present there next to me whenever I had to go somewhere I really appreciate that from her a lot you are the best and may god keep blessing you, you deserve it THANK YOU BRIDGE!.

This place helped me with homelessness and I wanna thank a specific person Antoinette Lasseur for…read morehelping me and being determined in making sure I found the perfect place to live and getting me all the help I needed in the process

When you're in a tough spot this place makes you feel at home and will help you out even after…read moreleaving. they may have "rules" , but it's for your own safety and your child's safety as well.

Honestly i visit here once trying move in but i felt a very uneasy environment, There was so many…read morerules with very limited "freedom" made me feel comfortable at my previous location. I felt a very racist energy as a black women there wasn't rarely anyone i can relate to. There's this one Spanish girl who seems to control everything made me feel like i was getting judged. i felt like they were holding the shelter over my head as in if i don't do this or that then i get kicked out. I was getting weird looks by some of the staff members as if this wasn't my place to be. i felt really judged although you don't pay rent they made it seem like you owe them. If you like feeling judged and out of place and spoken down upon & have no other choice this is your place....

I was having problems with my heart. I ended up in the hospital. Long story short. I have a…read moretherapist that recommended Pastor Steve and Homeless LONG ISLAND came through and helped out very fast. Asked me what I needed. I still don't believe that I am where I am right now I'm doing a lot better

From the owner: Are you homeless? Or about to go homeless? ​…read moreAre you living in your car, or in the streets, or are you about to be evicted, are you couch surfing? Do you feel hopeless and scared? Are you about to lose your house to foreclosure? Were you served eviction papers? We are here to help you. We have been helping the homeless and those close to becoming homeless since 2007.

On 9/25/13. I…read more visited the office of Our Fathers Shelter on Lunenburg Street in Fitchburg (with a confidential issue relating to emergency shelter with a client/ facility relationship and spoke to a case worker name Sean... Sean was a nice person... As I was speaking to Sean there was another girl (lurking in the back ground) and I found out later that she was another shelter employer named (Pee)...or (Tee) / Pea ? I telephoned the homeless shelter and stated my business with the shelter and on 9/27/13 . . . I had to call the Director of Homeless Services Mr. Kevin McLean. I spoke on the telephone with the Director of Homeless Services Mr. Kevin McLean. I was asked a series of basic questions to Mr. Kevin McLean about his homeless services and the criteria of what kind of services he offers. Mr. Kevin McLean appears to have a lack of basic knowledge and was very evasive with my basic inquisitions about his operations and procedures at his homeless shelter. I furthered my questions with Kevin McLean ... as our conversation progress Mr. Kevin McLean answers became more evasive. I reminded Mr. Kevin McLean that his organization was funded with public money and he as a director had a duty and obligation to disclose information to anyone who asks. At this time... I found Mr. Kevin McLean as very ineffectual and not forthcoming with his answers. *It is in my professional opinion that Mr. Kevin McLean is not a very nice person and could not hold a normal conversation without ( over talking me) he seems to be riddled in anxiety or narcosis or other related stresses associated with being in control of the many homeless people by virtue of there own economic disadvantages. I will never.... Ever ... talk with Mr. Kevin McLean again... Tony Raff

We feed anyone who is hungry and we have a resource center upstairs to help with EBT Section 8 and…read moresometimes we have free phones for people on certain government programs.