Fr. Bill's and Mainspring is a welcoming place when all is lost. The shelter is a friendly place to be when all other avenues dry up. I went from shelter to housing and I am so thankful. Sadly, Fr. Bill's housing managers, not so friendly. In particular, one is a bad apple who has no training, no experience in the art of being a nice house manager or a nice person. From the start she degraded, belittled, ran her big mouth, and thought herself to be it all and know it all Even known to lie. She's well on her way to getting me kicked out of my room, back to the shelter, if she gets her way. Not so fast, if I get my way, she'll be fired. What she doesn't know is homeless people want soooooooooomuch to be heard, so I'm telling my story.
So, long story short, Fr. Bill's hard work and commitment to help the homeless can be bruised by the actions of 1 employee but, their love for the homeless is and will always be shining bright. Shine bright like a diamond. Fr. William. Mc Carthy RIP my friend.
I was scared and hopeless, this place gave me a respite from all the worries around where I'm going to park my car to sleep, it was my shelter. The staff treated me with dignity and respect, the food was great.And I now am on my way to permanent housing, what a blessing
Father Bill’s & MainSpring Inc. is a unique organization working to care for the homeless in Southeastern Massachusetts. For over 20 years, I have served with a group of volunteers on behalf of St. Jerome’s and William Gallagher Associates (now Arthur J, Gallagher). FBMS gives us an opportunity to show we care about the people.
Our group works together to raise the money, purchase the food and serve a hot meal once a month to the residents at Father Bill’s. Typically we drop the food off the day before it is served. Some in our group take great care to make special desserts. The shelter usually prepares the dinner and our group then meets at Father Bill’s to serve it to more than 100 individuals.
Our group goes out of its way to serve the best meal possible. Usually it’s a nice roast beef dinner, but on holidays we change up the menu to fit the occasion and make it a bit more special. This past Halloween the group dressed up in costumes and gave out goodie bags. For the Fourth of July we decorate the dining room and have a cook-out
FBMS provides our group a venue to help others. The appreciation and heartfelt thanks that we receive from the recipients is truly gratifying. It is a great experience and everyone seems to enjoy themselves.
I have volunteered quite a few times at Father Bills now. I have also brought each of my boys with me to show them how important volunteering is. It is amazing how organized things are and how grateful people are to have us there. We feel very welcomed and appreciated.
FBMS does the good work! Their staff work hand-in-hand with guests and participants to help them end their homelessness, doing a service to them and the community at large. Very happy partner with the organization however I can.
FBMS believes firmly in their mission that nobody should be homeless. Their services do not stop at just shelters, they provide permanent housing, job training, and so much more.
Father Bill’s & MainSpring is a leader in creating and sustaining social change. FBMS stands out as a remarkable organization due to their dedicated staff, wrap around services, and deep involvement with the community as they work to end homelessness across Southern Massachussetts. I have served with FBMS as an individual and as part of a group, delivering and serving meals to guests of Father Bill's. I have noticed the staff, guests and administration share an energy to end stigma, create community and invest in the well being of community members in a manner that preserves dignity, is research informed and seeks to be as inclusive and responsive as possible.
Volunteering with peers has been an eye opening experience and I encourage anyone looking to support the Southeastern MA community to get involved with Father Bill's in a way that is meaningful and relevant to you.
Since becoming a volunteer at Father Bill's on Thanksgiving Day 2004, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of people who put the true spirit of caring into action in serving the needs of the less fortunate. Every year we bring hundreds of thanksgiving meals to the doors of families who cannot afford what many take for granted, to the elderly living alone, unable to get out or with nowhere to go. There are no words to describe their gratitude.
Over the years we have found farmers who fill our cars with fresh vegetables for the hungry and Dunkin Donuts baking instructors who donate thousands of donuts and muffins to people who can't afford to buy a single, simple donut.
Their gratitude is beyond measure; their smiles are all the satisfaction we could ever hope for.
Father Bill's/Mainspring provide much needed housing and service to the South Shore's most vulnerable population. Their management of affordable housing and the emergency housing services that they provide is excellent.
Father Bills/Mainspring is an exceptionally well run non-profit. Their goal is to end homelessness, and they do so very successfully. They provide housing with wrap around support systems in place to formerly homeless folks and it works! I have been a friend/volunteer for FBMS for more than 15 years, and I'm so grateful that they exist. I encourage you to check out their website and their Facebook page. There are very few non-profits that reach this high standard of compassion and success.