St. Clare of Assisi - St Clare Homeless Outreach

At St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Community, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Following the example of Jesus Christ, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Clare of Assisi, we strive to meet people where they are—not only geographically, but spiritually, emotionally, and personally. Whether someone is living on the streets, sleeping in a vehicle, struggling with addiction, facing mental illness, or simply overwhelmed by life's circumstances, we believe no one is beyond hope.

We do not ask, "Why are you homeless?"

Instead, we ask, "How can we help?"

Our Philosophy

We believe that lasting change begins with relationships.

Before programs...
Before paperwork...
Before housing...

People need to know they matter.

We strive to know our clients by name, listen to their stories without judgment, celebrate their successes, and walk beside them during setbacks.

This ministry is not about "fixing" people.

It is about loving people.

Why Don't Homeless People "Just Get a Job?"

People often ask,

"Why don't homeless people just work?"

Many desperately want to.

Imagine trying to attend a job interview when:

you have nowhere to shower,
your only clothes are dirty,
you have no permanent address,
your identification has been lost or stolen,
you haven't slept safely in days,
your phone has no battery,
or your medications were stolen.

Employment is often the goal—but many people first need help overcoming barriers that most of us never have to think about.

Sometimes a sandwich helps.

Sometimes replacing a birth certificate changes a life.

Sometimes simply listening reminds someone that God still values them.

What We Do

The St. Clare Homeless Outreach Ministry serves individuals and families throughout the North Shore of Massachusetts, especially within Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Danvers, and surrounding communities.

Our ministry provides compassionate assistance by:

Helping obtain birth certificates, Social Security cards, and Massachusetts IDs.
Assisting with housing applications and Coordinated Entry referrals.
Connecting individuals with shelters, medical care, mental health resources, substance use treatment, veterans' services, and other community agencies.
Providing referrals to food programs and emergency assistance.
Offering pastoral care, prayer, and emotional support regardless of religious affiliation.
Building relationships based on trust, respect, and confidentiality.

Our goal is not merely to provide temporary assistance but to help people take meaningful steps toward long-term stability.

The St. Clare Mission

Every Saturday, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, the St. Clare Mission, located at the rear of 32 Ellsworth Rd, Peabody, serves lunch to anyone in need.

More importantly, we provide something many people living on the streets rarely experience:

A welcoming smile.
A listening ear.
A safe place to rest or a while.
Human dignity.

No questions.
No judgment.
No conditions.

Everyone is welcome.

The Peabody Free Meals Calendar

One of our most important community services is the Peabody Free Meals Calendar.

Each month we coordinate information from churches, food pantries, shelters, community organizations, and local agencies so that anyone can quickly find where free meals are available throughout the Greater Peabody area.

The calendar is available free of charge and may be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF.

How You Can Help

You can become part of this ministry by:

Preparing lunches for the St. Clare Mission.
Volunteering at our Saturday outreach.
Donating socks, hygiene supplies, backpacks, and seasonal clothing.
Supporting our document assistance ministry.
Praying for those experiencing homelessness.
Treating every person you meet with dignity and kindness.

Small acts of compassion often become the beginning of extraordinary transformations.

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