Even at -4 degrees, there are still people sleeping on Boston’s streets.
Massachusetts has one of the nation's lowest rates of unsheltered homelessness, but it's not zero -- even in the winter. On the night of the Boston Homeless Census in January 2025, 132 individuals were sleeping on the streets.
Why do some folks "choose" not to go to shelter on the coldest nights? Because for them, shelter truly may not feel like the safest option.
Due to trauma history, overcrowding, strict shelter rules, inability to stay with partners or loved ones, or mental health conditions, staying in shelter can genuinely feel more dangerous than sleeping outside.
So how do we help?
First, we ensure they have everything they need to stay safe in the elements. Warm layers, coats, socks, boots, hats, gloves, blankets, hand warmers. This is the crux of Circle of Hope's mission: to meet immediate safety and health needs so that longer-term solutions become accessible.
The second piece is outreach. Ensure access to information about available resources and connect them to those resources by providing on-the-spot healthcare and case management, transportation to shelter, substance use treatment information, and other forms of judgment-free support. Repeat this outreach often. This is what Circle of Hope's partners do.
Individuals experiencing homelessness need an array of support services to move forward toward stability, even under the “best” circumstances. It takes an interconnected network of service providers and resources to help someone get back on their feet. That’s why we do what we do. Circle of Hope provides the basic necessities folks need for immediate safety while partnering with service providers who focus on the individual’s longer-term needs and personal goals (shelter, education, job training, mental health counseling, healthcare, housing support, substance use treatment, and more). We’re proud to be part of this network.
Most folks would not "choose" to sleep outside in winter if they felt they had a better option. And even if they did? We'd still be there with warm winter gear. Because we believe everyone deserves access to essentials for health and safety.
