The Meeting House

for Compassion and Hope

Serving Our Neighbors

First Parish partners with other organizations and many community volunteers to provide essential services to our neighbors.

The First Parish Meals Program

Providing hospitality and a warm meal to those in need has for many years been a critical way that First Parish members have served our Cambridge community. Our Meals Program on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and our Community Fridge are two of the ministries for which First Parish is most known in our community. We invite you to participate in these lend a hand! To volunteer or to learn more, please contact our Food Service Ministry Coordinator Kevin Newell at knewell@firstparishcambridge.org.

Tuesday & Wednesday Meals

Photo: Sandwich wraps, with lettuce, tomatoes, and other fillings wrapped in tortillas

Our meals program brings volunteers and guests together in a unique and purposeful way to provide nourishment, fellowship, and belonging. Volunteers offer warm hospitality and an evening meal in a safe, dignified and friendly environment. They help prepare food, set tables, serve meals and clean up.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. Enter at 3 Church Street.

Fridge in the Square

Photo: Five volunteers wearing bright green T-shirts stand next to the open Community Fridge, with bagged food organized on the shelves

We provide “Fridge in the Square,” a community-led food program for those in need, in partnership with Harvard Square Business Association, Lesley University’s Threshold Program, and Berkshire Bank. Through daily food donations from local businesses, residents, parishioners, and neighbors, those who experience food insecurity can get perishable and non-perishable food from the shed located in front of First Parish.

Other Community Services at First Parish

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous logo, CC BY-SA 4.0 by Anamix

AA meetings, LGBTQ+ welcoming.

Monday evenings, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Enter at 3 Church Street. Details

Y2Y Youth Homeless Shelter

Logo: Y2Y (two abstract human figures with arms raised in Y shape; the space between the figures looks like a house)

Y2Y Harvard Square, a 22-bed homeless shelter for young people ages 18 to 24, is housed in the Meeting House basement.

Learn more or ask for a bed.

Youth on Fire Drop-In Center

Photo: Couches with pillows organized in front of a wall of cubbies, with a painted colorful mural above.

A judgment-free environment for unhoused and unaccompanied youth ages 14 to 24 where members can find safety, enjoy a homemade meal, access showers or a place to nap, receive referrals, and work on their personal goals.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Thu by appointment. Enter at 1 Church Street. (617) 661-2508 Details.

Learn about First Parish in Cambridge’s other vital community partnerships.