Waltham faith leaders to gather for emergency summit on homelessness

With Waltham’s homelessness crisis deepening, faith leaders from across the region are gathering for an emergency interfaith summit aimed at coordinating relief efforts.

Chaplains on the Way, an interfaith ministry serving unhoused residents, will host the event, called the Interfaith Round Table on Homelessness, on Sunday, April 19, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at First Parish in Waltham, 50 Church St.

The “Inclusive Luncheon and Listening Session” will convene clergy and congregational leaders from all of Waltham’s faith traditions to discuss how local houses of worship can work together to respond to the city’s escalating need for shelter and support. 

According to Chaplains on the Way, attendance at its daily breakfast program and warming center has jumped by 66.7 percent in recent months—a surge that Executive Director Michael Jones said has strained the organization’s capacity and underscored the need for citywide collaboration.

“Because Chaplains on the Way is a non-denominational, interfaith ministry dedicated to our neighbors experiencing homelessness, we occupy a unique position in the community,” Jones said. “We are honored to serve as a bridge, bringing together leaders from across the full spectrum of faith traditions to sit at one table.”

The 90-minute meeting will focus on how congregations can shift from isolated efforts to a shared strategy that mobilizes volunteers, resources and advocacy across faith lines.

“No single congregation can solve this alone,” said Pastor Bill Hoch, a Chaplains on the Way board member. “We’re hoping to streamline how houses of worship provide support and create clear on-ramps for congregants who want to help.”

Invitations have gone out to every house of worship in Waltham and the surrounding communities. Organizers say the goal is to harness the “collective wisdom and compassion” of the region’s entire spiritual community to address homelessness as the city’s safety net reaches a breaking point.

All faith leaders are welcome to attend, Jones said. Those interested can register by emailing info@chaplainsontheway.org. 

Chaplains on the Way, founded in Waltham, provides spiritual care and basic services—including meals and outreach—to people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty. More information is available at www.chaplainsontheway.us.