GM – Caring for Boston Homeless

Generic Ministry, listed here as GM – Caring for Boston Homeless, is a Needham-based volunteer group that collects and distributes food, clothing and supplies to people living on Boston’s streets. Two nights each week, its well-stocked van travels to designated stops in the city, where volunteers meet people directly and hand over the items they need to get through the night. The group reports helping thousands of people every year.

The work runs on a single van, donated supplies, meals and volunteers of many ages. Riding the van is described as the most critical volunteer role, while others help by donating clothing and toiletries, running collection drives or assembling bagged meals. A weekly Prep Team sorts donations and restocks the van at the group’s garage behind the First Baptist Church in Needham, a role suited to students, families and retirees.

What to Know

• Prep Team sessions take place on Saturday mornings, and volunteers are asked to sign up in advance.
• Youths 12 and older can volunteer on their own, while families with younger children need an adult along.
• Volunteers are encouraged to propose their own creative ways to help.