I’m re-posting a shout out from the Arlington list-serv that was reposted to Belmont’s mailing list on Saturday. The message concerns an estimated 75 homeless families, including 100 children, that are being housed at the Gateway Inn on Route 2 in Cambridge (right next to Lanes ‘n Games bowling alley). (NOTE: I haven’t called to confirm this with the Gateway, but I have no reason to doubt its veracity.) In addition to the steps for helping these families outlined below, its worthwhile coordinating our efforts with food or clothing drives, trips to BJs/Costco, etc. Some parents in Arlginton have also organized events (musical performances, book readings) to make sure the childrens’ intellectual, emotional and physical needs are being met. If you’ve got ideas, post ‘em.
According to the e-mail, the families are living in hotel rooms with a mini fridge and a microwave each. Families stay at the Inn an average of 2 to 3 month. According to the post, the families are receiving food stamps and other forms of assistance to buy food, but –no surprise — the families are living in difficult circumstances and need help and support. Here are some areas of need that have been identified for Belmont community members to reach out:
- Donations of Clothing/Toys: These can be dropped off at the front desk of the Gateway, where the front desk attendant and residents will sort through them and get them to the families that need them.No used underwear, bathing suits, worn items or dirty clothes. No broken toys or toys with small parts. Shoes are needed, especially for older children and adults.
- Donations of Books: Board-books, especially.Books and magazines for the adults are also appreciated.
- Household Items: Each room has a mini-fridge and microwave, so any food, plates, mugs, bowls or flatware that are microwaveable are needed. Paper plates are great, too. As are napkins, cups, storage containers, zip-lock bags, etc.
- Food: Anything microwaveable – microwaveable mac&cheese boxes, etc. Canned food, non-perishable, baby food, etc.
- Toiletries: These aren’t covered by food stamps, etc.CVS or Walgreens gift cards are a good idea, multi packs of soap, feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, etc.
If you’re unable to drive items over yourself, two Arlington residents have agreed to have donations dropped on their porch. They are:
- Eric Segal,84 Milton Street (East Arlington – off Mass Ave near ‘Za – 2nd house on 2nd block)
- Liz Jaramillo,78 Harlow Street, East Arlington – off Mass Ave
Thank you Paul for for the article on the homeless people living at the Gateway Inn. The suggestions on how to help are very concrete. Perhaps our own schoolchildren might profit from getting involved. Belmont is a bit isolated from the deeper impacts of the current “Great Recession.”
I would be more than happy to bring things over as well. My business- Belmont Therapeutic Massage, is on the second floor at 66 Leonard St in Belmont Center. We are just above the Frame Hut and Robert's Salon. I only ask that you leave the stuff in Brown paper grocery bags lined up against the wall just outside the door. Please don't knock- just drop things off outside the door to Belmont Therapeutic.
I cannot imagine how hard it must be for families in this situation- I am thankful that someone has given us a way to help.
Hey all. I'm not sure if the state is putting families up at the Gateway over the Summer. I did see a school bus pull up in front and pick up a student late in the school year, so I assume families are still being housed here. It would be good to confirm that there are still families staying at the Gateway?
I would be more than happy to bring things over as well. My business- Belmont Therapeutic Massage, is on the second floor at 66 Leonard St in Belmont Center. We are just above the Frame Hut and Robert's Salon. I only ask that you leave the stuff in Brown paper grocery bags lined up against the wall just outside the door. Please don't knock- just drop things off outside the door to Belmont Therapeutic.
I cannot imagine how hard it must be for families in this situation- I am thankful that someone has given us a way to help.
Hey all. I'm not sure if the state is putting families up at the Gateway over the Summer. I did see a school bus pull up in front and pick up a student late in the school year, so I assume families are still being housed here. It would be good to confirm that there are still families staying at the Gateway?