To those who #LOVEfranklin:
Nearly two years ago you signed onto a “A Call to Our Community,” written by the Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) in response to several incidences including targeted hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs at public events, and anti-Semitic graffiti. The FIC issued a call to #LOVEfranklin. Part of that call was an expressed commitment of each signer to “create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, stature, ability, creed or faith can find a home.”
As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts has opened some 80 emergency shelters across the state, including in Franklin, to help support “homeless families in crisis.” You can find a copy of the town press release here. Currently the emergency shelter in Franklin is housing some 120 people. The shelter is expected to fill over the next few weeks to a capacity of 400-500 people. Over half the people currently placed in Franklin are native English speakers. While the state is providing most of the basic needs for these individuals and getting them setup with social services, many needs remain unmet as people try to make a new home for their family.
This is where you come in. The Franklin Interfaith Council will be regularly communicating the needs of the families placed in the emergency shelter in Franklin, providing local drop-off points for you to make donations, and distributing the donations at the shelter. In addition to tangible donations like food, clothing, and hygiene products, we will also help communicate volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can help. See the flyer below for a listing of current needs and volunteer opportunities. We will update and distribute this flyer regularly.
If you or someone you know would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them email info@franklininterfaith.org or subscribe to the FIC website below.
Thank you for your on-going commitment to #LOVEfranklin and your efforts to help others make a home and fall in love with Franklin too!
Peace.
Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker
President, Franklin Interfaith Council
Additional Links:
- “A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin” (https://franklininterfaith.org/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin/)
- Town of Franklin Press Release from 8/24/23 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view).
- Town Administrator’s Report on the Migrant Housing Status – 9/06/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html)
- “1,000 families now arriving in Massachusetts shelter every month, officials estimate,” WCVB.com, September 8, 2023 (https://www.wcvb.com/article/migrant-crisis-massachusetts-emergency-shelter-rapidly-growing/45049626)