New England Patriots honor Waltham volunteer for mobilizing community support for homeless adults 

On a cold, blustery day last week, Pat Murphy moved easily among dozens of visitors seeking warmth and a meal at the Community Day Center of Waltham, a nonprofit that provides day shelter and support services to adults who experience homelessness. She hugged guests, offered words of encouragement and asked questions: “Do you need anything?” and “Are you warm enough?” 

“I hug them, fist bump, shake hands,” said Murphy, a volunteer and board member at the organization. “I acknowledge each of them as a person.”

The center sees hundreds of guests annually, distributing more than 120 hygiene items daily and offering free clothing through seasonal events and a year-round store. Murphy has played a vital role in building systems that connect community donations with the needs of homeless adults.

As a result of her community impact, the New England Patriots have recognized Murphy as a Difference Maker of the Week. Part of the team’s Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, she is one of 16 honorees across New England. 

The Patriots will award Murphy with the honor during the team’s home game this Sunday, Jan. 4. The team will also provide a $10,000 grant to CDCW in recognition of her work. 

“I’m only successful because of the community,” said Murphy. “It’s a truly kind and giving community.” 

A citywide effort

To meet the ongoing needs, Murphy regularly turns to local Facebook groups such as Waltham, MA Residents, posting calls for donations that mobilize neighbors across the city. 

“I am the queen of Facebook,” Murphy said. “Through social media we get donors for dinners, coats, shoes, jeans, shorts – that’s the primary source.”

“She set up the entire supply distribution system for hygiene and clothing,” said Chloe-Rose Crouch, executive director of CDCW. “Almost more important is how we get those items. She’s built a network of people who can get them to us for free. She’s rallied the community around homelessness.” 

Reinforcing that “it takes a village,” Murphy described her role as being a “conduit” for people who want to help but don’t know how. 

Her efforts helped expand the center’s impact, enabling annual seasonal clothing drives and night programs. About five years ago Murphy organized the first Winter Coat Day, collecting and preparing jackets from the community. She fondly recalled, “They all left warm on the same day.” 

Building on that success, she helped establish recurring clothing drives for other seasonal essentials and created an Amazon Wish List so donors could contribute toiletries and supplies for backpacks, an item the homeless community identified as a critical need.

Collecting and distributing donations 

To make donating easier for residents who cannot reach the center during daytime hours, Murphy picks up donations throughout Waltham and accepts them at her home.

“Pat’s front steps are always full with donations for the day center,” said Crouch. “Every day or every other day, she drops off donations at the center.”

“I have the most famous front porch in Waltham,” Murphy said. 

Many of those donations go to the center’s dedicated shop, which opened in June 2024 and provides clothes and hygiene products at no cost. The space is organized so guests can choose items that fit their needs and preferences.

“They typically don’t have a choice,” said Murphy. “This gives them the dignity to pick their size and style.” 

Providing choice is central to the nonprofit’s approach. “They haven’t been able to shop in years or have the ability to choose what to wear,” added Crouch. 

In addition to her work at the center, Murphy delivers supplies directly to individuals throughout the city, from hot coffee in the winter to water bottles in the summer. 

“Pat will drive around on weekends. She knows where everyone stays and puts eyes on everyone,” said Crouch. 

“They’re invisible to so many,” said Murphy. “They’re not to me.” 

Fostering relationships 

Building trust with the center’s guests has taken time. 

“At first I was hesitant and they were too,” said Murphy. “As time goes by, there’s more familiarity and trust.” 

She said guests now refer to her affectionately as “Momma” or “Auntie Pat.”

Developing that level of rapport is especially important for people experiencing chronic homelessness, according to Crouch. While the reasons people experience homelessness vary, such as substance use disorders and mental health conditions, most have experienced significant trauma.

“Our goal is to not retraumatize them, and this can happen if they’re seen as a number. We build long-term relationships that we hope end in housing.” 

A couple of guests recently shared their appreciation for Murphy’s support.

“It’s kindness you can’t find anywhere,” said one guest. 

“If it wasn’t for Pat Murphy, I wouldn’t be able to warm up, eat, be fed and have hygiene,” said another. 

Delivering years of community impact 

Murphy has volunteered with CDCW for about seven years, helping hundreds of individuals during that time. 

“I’ve lived in Waltham for more than 40 years, and I’m more a part of this community now than I have been in the past,” said Murphy. “When I lay in bed at night and think their feet are not as cold, they have a winter coat and gloves, it’s priceless.

“This is the most important thing I’ve done in my whole life,” she added. 

Murphy hopes her experience encourages others to get involved in ways that fit their capacity.

“You can dip your toes in or dive face first,” said Murphy. “You throw a stone and the ripples keep going.” 

Located at 16 Felton St., the Community Day Center of Waltham is a drop-in center providing support services for adults experiencing or at risk for homelessness. Learn more at https://www.communitydaycenter.org/. Through April 15, local residents can make dinner donations for night program guests at Sign Up Genius.