Today’s Challenges Force Reflection on Years of Change at The Gathering Place

Written By Judy Gray | Volunteer and Board Member

The Gathering Place had its beginnings in 2010 when an informal group of idealistic realists, concerned about increasing homelessness in the Brunswick area, began discussing what they might do to alleviate the problem.  Clearly the biggest need was for affordable housing, but feeling that this was well beyond their limited means, they gradually began to focus on the dream of developing a day shelter where “welcome is our mission” might become a reality.

On February 7, 2011, the dream did become reality as The Gathering Place opened at 84B Union Street in a building owned by the Seventh Day Adventists and generously shared with TGP. In those early days, there was no paid staff, and volunteers often recruited guests to help resolve computer problems or unlock a recalcitrant lock.  

TGP grew by leaps and bounds, from 6 guests the first day in 2011, to 20, 30, 60, 70, 80 and more. Eventually, by 2015 the focus began to coalesce around leasing land from SDA adjacent to the location TGP was sharing with SDA. In September 2016, the “new” TGP opened with suitable ceremony. Guests and volunteers made the transition with varying degrees of enthusiasm and nostalgia for the “old place”. 

Life went on. Until late winter of 2020 and the coronavirus.  

Suddenly the situation was dire, and on March 17 The Gathering Place closed, not to re-open for three months.  But a stalwart group of staff and volunteers began almost immediately to think about how TGP could re-open.  It would mean a more dramatic change.

On June 18, 2020,  TGP re-opened.  It was a drastically revised TGP with abbreviated hours, required masking, social distancing,  plexiglass screening, and an emphasis on accessibility to information, bathroom, use of computers, telephone, access to mail.  Meeting individually either in person or via ZOOM or telephone could be arranged.  No coffee.  No refreshments.  

In the month since then outdoor seating has been added, the smoking area is again available, and an awning has been ordered.  Hours have been extended:  Monday morning 8:30-11:30, Thursday all day 8:30-3:00.  Starting Thursday the 23rd coffee, sugar and creamer will be available under careful, safety-conscious conditions.  Volunteers, seasoned veterans, bold old-timers, fresh newer volunteers, even a newbie or two – someone will be there to show you that despite all that has changed, welcome is still TGP’s message.  Hugs are gone.  Love remains.