Winter Walk is proud to support the work done by our Organizational Partners (OPs), the service providers administering aid to the unhoused people that live in the cities we walk in 365 days a year. Winter Walk gives 100% of the funds raised at our Walk Events to our OPs; with walks in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Tallahassee, we’re on a mission to grow our walk program nationally. Learn more about becoming a Winter Walk OP here.

MANNA
Boston, MA
mannaboston.org

The Winter Walk team recently had the pleasure of interviewing members of the incredible team at MANNA, located at 138 Tremont Street in Boston, to learn more about their work and commitment to the unhoused communities in our city.

7 community members showing off their handmade artwork of a whale cutout, colored in blue and green hues — Community members celebrating at the Easter Vigil

We are so very lucky to have had your incredible organization with us since our very first Winter Walk in 2017. And speaking of milestones, congrats on your 15th year of service in Boston! For anyone that doesn't know your work already, would you please tell our readers about MANNA?

MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always) is a ministry formed with and for the unhoused community of downtown Boston. Founded in 2010, MANNA has been and continues to be a place where we learn what "community" can be together - a place where all are loved, empowered, and dignified in the fullness of our humanity. We are not a government agency. We have no requirements for participation. We are not a proselytizing ministry. We open our doors to welcome all to a supportive environment where their needs will be met by trained and supported staff.

Who does MANNA serve?

MANNA community at the 2025 Winter Walk.

We serve over 250 unhoused and unstably housed individuals in the Boston community and others who find community with them. Every Monday at 12 PM for almost 40 years, we serve 75-125 individuals in restaurant style with table service provided by volunteers.

You can read the latest volume of “Dispatches,” our quarterly stories from community members and our current resource needs.

We had another great year together, with MANNA receiving more than $12k in funds raised by our walkers this year. How will you put that money to work for your community members?

We are grateful that we’ve been with Winter Walk since the beginning. Our community loves participating and appreciates the ways that you amplify their voices and support the organizations that support them. Most of this funding will go towards providing meals and material support like clothing and hygiene items for community members.

What are the greatest needs MANNA has this year?

Two community members sitting on a table together with a notebook and handouts. One member has a pen in her hand and the two are discussing something while she takes notes. — Community members during a Black Seed Writers Group session.

Support for staffing to provide social care for community members as well as support for material needs for the community. We’d love to connect more deeply with other organizations that provide extended care to our community, expanding our network of care and support in service of those who rely on it most.

Currently, the activities we offer each week are a series of community-centered gatherings that foster connection, leadership, and spiritual nourishment for Boston’s unhoused and housed neighbors alike. From Sunday’s Coffee Klatsch and worship to Monday’s Leadership Meeting, shared lunch, and empowering liturgy, and Tuesday’s writing group and community-led meditation, we hope to offer varied opportunities for connection. These spaces prioritize deep listening, creativity, and sacred stillness, where the humanity of all is valued, the flourishing of every human being is supported, and where mutual love can deepen and grow.

What is something you wish everyone understood about homelessness?

Every person deserves the dignity of stable, safe and supportive housing. Every person is worthy of love, connection, and community. Every person has wisdom and gifts to offer to others, to uplift in themselves, and which make our communities stronger.

What is something you wish everyone knew about unhoused people?

They are a part of our community in every way -- they are our neighbors, our friends, fellow artists, prophets, protesters, and partners in making this world a place where everyone's dignity can be upheld and everyone's humanity is valued and cherished.

How can people help MANNA?

Connecting with other organizations is a huge goal for us as we work to expand our program offerings and reach as many people as possible. Otherwise, feel free to stop by for one of our many weekly activities. Financial and material support is always needed and appreciated, and we hope that our donors will develop personal connections to our community whenever and however possible.

Thank you so much for your time and we can’t wait to walk with you again on Boston Common in February!

Winter Walk is a nonprofit on a mission to end homelessness in America. Winter Walk hosts walk events in major cities across the United States designed to raise funds for local service organizations while building community between housed and unhoused people, and offers educational services to the public designed to eliminate the stigma associated with homelessness. At a time when homelessness is increasing across America, Winter Walk believes that ending homelessness is within our reach – and it starts with ending stigma. Winter Walk uplifts the voices of those who have experienced homelessness, breaking down negative images and stereotypes through storytelling, education, and community building. Learn more about our mission.

Ending Homelessness with MANNA Boston