WLP Returns to Restaurant-Style Service, Hosts Vaccine Clinic

On April 6, 2021, guests began dining in the community hall at Women’s Lunch Place for the first time since the pandemic struck last year. This marks an exciting and significant step toward our goal of operating a full-capacity community and traditional services at our shelter and advocacy center.

WLP is prioritizing the most vulnerable guests as we continue to scale up occupancy inside the building while ensuring that everyone remains safe. Additionally, curbside and delivery meals are still being provided to those who need them.

Inside the dining room, two-person tables with plexiglass separators are temporarily replacing our traditional group seating. Guests are required to wear their masks except when eating or drinking, and all others are required to keep their masks on at all times.

Yet, even with these necessary limitations, the excitement is palpable. Through their masks, we can see the smiles on our guests’ faces as they once again sit together to share a warm meal.

“Our community, and the hospitality of our restaurant-style service, is fundamental to restoring dignity and self-worth to the women who utilize our meals and support services,” said Director of Operations Nancy Armstrong. “It was quite moving to see women once again enjoying being in the shelter.”

As remains tradition at Women’s Lunch Place, guests are dining at tables set with flowers (donated from Encore Boston Harbor) and being served a variety of inventive and nutritious meals, scratch-prepared by Chef Sherry and the Kitchen crew. Last week, a hearty lunch of baked haddock with Israeli couscous and herbed veggies was clearly a crowd favorite.

Along with our partners in the homeless service sector, WLP is delighted to see the high level of vaccination rates among the community of women we serve. Recently, we were able to add to that number when we teamed up with our partners at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program and hosted a vaccination clinic on-site at 67 Newbury St.

In addition to a proliferation of vaccination programs, it is also encouraging to see the COVID hospitalization rate for people experiencing homelessness hover near 0% since the beginning of March.

“We are so thrilled to start welcoming our guests back inside the community dining room, especially considering that many of them have had to brave absolutely horrific conditions over the past year,” said Shelter Manager, Rachel Klein.

“Seeing the ladies enjoying fresh food, a cup of coffee, and some conversation has re-energized the shelter. We look forward to continuing to serve our community by offering a safe, daytime space, expert guidance and holistic programming.”