Net of Compassion
Net of Compassion was founded by Pastor Richie Gonzalez, his wife Elizabeth and a dedicated group of volunteers in 2010. Pastor Richie started by handing out sandwiches in brown paper bags to people in need following his own journey with substance use disorder and homelessness. Since then, every Saturday since 2010, Net of Compassion has served over 300 hot meals on the sidewalks of Main South in Worcester. Over time this weekly ritual evolved into disseminating clothing, food pantry items, toiletries, encouragement and referrals to other services. We serve men and women struggling with poverty, substance use disorder, prostitution, homelessness and those living with mental illness.
The volunteers of Net of Compassion help form a safety net of support for those in need, providing peer support, referrals to treatment and many other services. Together we are pulling many threads together to create this Net of Compassion!
The volunteers of Net of Compassion help form a safety net of support for those in need, providing peer support, referrals to treatment and many other services. Together we are pulling many threads together to create this Net of Compassion!
Video created by Nate Killian.
Net of Compassion is a faith-based collaborative effort bringing vital support services to people in need. Every week Net of Compassion brings a hot meal, clothing, recovery supports and and an encouraging word to hundreds of people struggling in substance use disorder and homelessness. Join us today–you’ll never be the same!
FOOD & CLOTHING
Each week volunteers cook and serve a homemade meal to over 300 folks living in poverty in Worcester, Massachusetts. These Net of Compassion volunteers also help by organizing and handing out clothing. Many people visiting the Net of Compassion tents are currently struggling with homelessness, active substance use disorder, in early recovery or suffering from untreated mental health concerns.
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RECOVERY SUPPORTS
As a peer run organization, many staff have had long term experience with the recovery process. This insight helps to establish great working relationships with clients, which in turn leads to a better understanding of the help they really need. Services include access to shelters and detoxification programs. Through faith based peer counseling and agency referrals, Net of Compassion helps clients to find hope again.
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CREATING COMMUNITY
Net of Compassion is creating a community of support for clients and an outlet for volunteerism for the community. Every week they depend on many agencies to help the people they meet on the streets. Faithfully a different group or church volunteers every week to run the food and clothing program. Together they help the addicted, hungry, and homeless. It is through this support that Net of Compassion is able to do the great work that they do.
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