At the heart of every strong community are relationships of trust, compassion, and mutual support. The Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) Circle of Friends program embodies this spirit by bringing together small groups of volunteers with individuals who have experienced homelessness. The volunteers provide friendship, encouragement, and practical support.
Started in 2000, the Circle of Friends program was originally intended to meet the needs of women coming out of a women’s shelter. Many of the women transitioning from the shelter into housing expressed feeling isolated and lonely. “They didn’t have that sense of belonging, and things would start to fall apart without those connections that would help them stabilize in housing,” comments Katie Taylor, Interim Walking with People in Poverty Program Coordinator at MCC. Eventually, the program was opened up to both men and women.
The Circle of Friends small groups meet for an hour each week, focusing their time on activities tailored to meet the goals of the person transitioning out of homelessness. This might include activities such as visiting the library, learning to ride public transit, or going for coffee and chatting. “The volunteers aren’t trying to fix anything for the participants,” says Katie, “but rather they are building social and community connections.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly hard on Circle of Friends participants. Many community members didn’t have access to the technology needed to meet online. It became a very lonely time for many folks. Thankfully, the program has been revived and is operating at full capacity.
It’s not uncommon for those with lived experience who have participated in the Circles to go on and offer support as volunteers in the program. “It’s really beautiful,” adds Katie. “They are able to take that experience and share how they handled situations.”
In these small, steady gatherings, strangers become friends, and what begins as a helping hand often grows into a bond that restores hope and belonging. Together, they embody the simple yet profound belief that we are created to support one another, and that by practicing community, we all share in hope and healing.