Charles River Apparel Rushes Aid to Boston's Homeless

Charles River Apparel, Sharon, Mass., a manufacturer of outerwear and performance apparel, was recently called upon by non-profit organization Friends of Boston's Homeless with a critical request to provide clothing as quickly as possible. Safety concerns about the access bridge to the Long Island Homeless Shelter in Boston gave the city little choice but to abruptly close the island. This decision affected more than 400 homeless guests and transitional program residents, many of whom were forced to leave with just the clothes on their backs.

Friends of Boston's Homeless quickly rallied efforts from the community for clothing, food and toiletries for the hundreds of relocated homeless guests. Charles River Apparel was among many perennial advocates of the homeless that provided support, including Friends' Board of Directors, Boston Red Sox, Stacy's Pita Chips, Costa Fruit & Produce, TD Garden and others.

"As a family-owned business, we make it a priority to give back to the community through volunteerism and charitable efforts," said Deb Lipsett, manager of strategic partnerships for Charles River Apparel. "We are here to assist our neighbors in need. Everyone deserves a warm place to live, food and clothing, so this was an easy decision for us to provide help." In just one week, more than 100 community partners made donations in support of the community's most vulnerable, raising more than $100,000 thus far.

Founded in 1987, Friends of Boston's Homeless works to support the Boston Public Health Commission's Homeless Services and to create Beyond Shelter recovery, job training, work experience, employment and transitional and permanent housing programs. "The Friends of Boston's Homeless is a vehicle for businesses and individuals in the Community to help in the solutions to homelessness," stated John Rosenthal, Friends founder and chairman. "The city of Boston is a national model for respectfully addressing homelessness, and our community partners are generously stepping up once again to help solve the current extremely challenging situation created by the Long Island Bridge closure."

All of those displaced by this month's bridge closing were thankfully relocated to new temporary shelters. However, the demand for everyday essentials, including clothing, laundry service and food service, continue to present special challenges. Want to help? Visit fobh.org to make a donation or to find out other ways you can assist.

For more information, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com.