25 Jay Street - a House of Hope
Right next door to All Souls is our property known as 25 Jay Street, but more lovingly known as our “House of Hospitality”. The congregation purchased the two-apartment property in 2016 with the vision of creating a home for refugees coming to our country and immediately began planning the needed renovation. Volunteers from the congregation stepped forward, contractors were hired, a budget was created, and the work parties began: hauling out old carpeting, refinishing the wood floors, adding insulation, updating the electric, plumbing and heating, re-glazing a tub and shower, and installing new locks. Every wall and ceiling was painted and needed work was done to stabilize the house. Window blinds were installed, as well as new kitchen cabinets, and a gas range and vinyl flooring. Every surface was cleaned and refinished or replaced. Volunteers from other local churches pitched in and the All Souls youth group spent a Sunday morning painting.
In addition to renovating, All Souls and community volunteers furnished the house with everything needed for our new neighbors. Our partners at StartFresh brought furniture to donate. The middle school Faith Formation class and their parents donated cleaning supplies. The Meditation Group donated personal care items. Our friends at Niantic Community Church filled the pantry and refrigerator with food to last 3 weeks.
All along we had thought we were creating two apartments (one up, one down) but late in the game we learned that a Syrian refugee family of six would be moving in, so we quickly reorganized all the furniture to create a one-family home!
From our first meeting in May 2016 to move-in day in February 2017 this was a labor of love, and a way to put our values into action. The congregation had a compelling vision and came together, week after week, to make it real. Over 60 Souls and friends of Souls participated. Through their generosity, talent, professional expertise, and physical labor, and with the support of StartFresh and the City of New London, we were ready to welcome our first family. Over the last several years 25 Jay has been home to two other families, and continues to offer shelter, hope and hospitality to people in need.
New London Meal Center
On the second Wednesday of every month volunteers from All Souls help to prepare, serve, and clean up after the evening meal at the New London Meal Center, located on Montauk Avenue. Volunteers are always welcome.
On the third Saturday of every month volunteers from All Souls partner with volunteers from Second Congregational Church to prepare, serve, and clean up after the noon time meal at the New London Meal Center. Join us!
Good Neighbor Offerings
The offering that is taken up on the third Sunday of every month is given away to a non-profit organization. Local, national, and international organizations have been recipients of these monthly Good Neighbor Offerings. In the past we have made donations to Start Fresh - New London Refugee Resettlement Effort, Planned Parenthood, Africare, Students Helping Honduras, the New London Public Library, The Ali Forney Center, the Martin Luther King and Hispanic Alliance Scholarship Funds, the city of New London, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, The Voluntown Peace Trust, Centro De La Comunidad, Alliance for Living, the New London Community Meal Center, Safe Futures, Women for Women International, Somalia and East Africa Relief Fund, the New London Area Food Coalition, and St. Francis House. Nearly $15,000 is given away each year through these Good Neighbor Offerings.
Adopt a Family
Every year during the holidays we work with the New London Neighborhood Alliance and “adopt” a local family who is struggling financially. We purchase and wrap gifts that have been requested for the children and adult family members.
