To those who #LOVEfranklin:
Here’s your quick update RE: the emergency shelter in Franklin. A few more families have arrived. The Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) is beginning to think long-term hospitality and distribution of donations.
All persons placed at the shelter are being signed up for SNAP benefits, Mass Health, and school quickly. The Town staff has worked hard to hone this process and it is working smoothly. As people are signed up for essential services, our focus is shifting to welcome, hospitality, and community—social well-being. We are continuing to organize volunteers for an after-school program. Contact Rev. Kathy McAdams for details.
Also in the works from the FIC are Intake/Hospitality bags (to meet the immediate needs of people when they arrive), a discretionary fund for transportation via GATRA, and a weekly communal meal. We’ll release more information about these opportunities once details are firmed up and we get the final go-ahead from the town.
You will find the updated donation/volunteer flyer below. NOTE: we’ve provided more details about where to drop off donations as there has been some confusion. Clothing can be dropped off on the back porch of the parsonage of Franklin Federated Church (183 Main Street); and, for those who don’t know, St. Rocco Square is the side entrance (off of Church Street) to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Thank you for being part of this long-term effort to support the evolving needs of those being placed in the Emergency Shelter in Franklin! Feel free to share this information; and, if others would like to be added to this distribution list, have them email info@franklininterfaith.org.
Peace.
Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker
President, Franklin Interfaith Council