Working Together to Serve the Cambridge Community

First Parish works in partnership with many vital community organizations to further our mission of serving the Cambridge community.  

Y2Y Youth Homeless Shelter

Located in the lower level of the Meeting House, Y2Y Harvard Square is the nation’s first youth-led youth homeless shelter, operated in partnership with Phillips Brooks House Association at Harvard University. Y2Y guests collaborate with service providers, other youth experiencing homelessness, and student volunteers to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and develop skills for long-term success. The shelter has 22 beds, which make up about half of the youth-specific shelter beds in the Greater Boston Area.

Harvard Book Store

Harvard Book Store is a locally owned, independently run Cambridge landmark since 1932. First Parish is excited to partner with Harvard Book Store on their award-winning author event series, bringing leading authors and thought leaders to our Meeting House. View the bookstore’s calendar of upcoming author events.

Cambridge Forum

Since its founding in 1967 as a program of First Parish, Cambridge Forum has invited guest speakers to inform, explore and challenge audience preconceptions on a range of current and timeless subjects, through salient civilized discussions. Cambridge Forum broadcasts these events via podcasts, public radio and YouTube to audiences locally, nationally and globally. The outcome is a community better equipped to understand and confront the issues we face today.

Youth on Fire Homeless Drop-In Center

Located in the lower level of the Meeting House, Youth On Fire provides on-site meals, clothing, showers, laundry facilities, medical care, mental health counseling, enrollment in health insurance, and referrals to other self-identified needs. Youth on Fire serves more than 200 homeless and street-involved young adults each year and has served more than 3,000 members since its opening.

Paine Senior Services

Established in 1905 from a bequest by First Parish member Jeannie Warren Paine, Paine Senior Services serves Cambridge residents 60+ years of age who prefer to remain independent in their community and need guidance and information about resources, services, benefits, and available options.

Cornel West speaks at a Cambridge Forum event at First Parish.