Photo: John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Cathy Corbett got her hair cut at HER on a recent Saturday. HER is a weekly event from the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.
When I think of all the health care I’m able to utilize (cataract surgery today, for example), my heart breaks for people who don’t have coverage. A special program in Boston aims to help homeless women get some of what they need while also lifting their spirits with fun activities.
Elise Takahama writes at the Boston Globe, “Linda Winn … sobered up six months ago, but she’s been battling homelessness for the past year. Winn, a 51-year-old Somerville native, said she’s working with a few organizations to find permanent housing, but for now, she is staying at Woods-Mullen, a South End homeless shelter.
“A few months ago, she discovered a haven of medical care — and free haircuts — just around the corner..
” ‘I started coming a few months ago. I love the staff. It’s been helping with depression, helping with any problem I might have,’ said Winn. …
“In one corner, a group of women played bingo, while others danced and sang karaoke in the middle of the room. A table near the back was filled with markers, beads, and nail polish. Movies were shown in a separate room.
“All these activities are part of HER Saturday, a program that offers a medical clinic for women who have suffered abuse, are homeless, or are in need of health care services, said Melinda Thomas, the program’s associate medical director. …
“The HER Saturday program was launched in February 2016, Thomas said. When it first started, about 30 to 50 women would wander through the doors. Now, at least 100 women — sometimes up to 200 — line up at 7 a.m. every week, she said.
“The Saturday clinic not only gives the women a chance to get manicures and watch romantic comedies but also provides preventative health care services and cancer screenings, which include mammograms and Pap smears. Homeless women have higher rates of mortality from breast and cervical cancer, Thomas said. A medical provider, a nurse, a case manager, a social worker, and a behavioral health counselor are available every week.” More at the Globe, here.
Those of us who can have a medical check-up, a haircut, or a tasty meal whenever we want really should feel gratitude every day. I also feel gratitude for the people behind programs like this, which benefit us all if only indirectly.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Truly places like this are a real blessings,also makes me realized how blessed I am.
Boston Health for the Homeless was started by a local physician in 1985. It is truly inspiring. https://www.bhchp.org/about-us
Such a lovely positive read, in a world full of gloom it’s even more uplifting!
If one believes that “little things mean a lot,” as the song says, one can imagine that having these Saturday respites to look forward to might start someone on the road out of homelessness.
You help me to remember how privileged I am. I wish you all best for today’s cataract surgery
Thanks. It went well. Now to keep track of all the eye drops!
Your blog is such a haven of feel-good stories–we need a place like this! I really like that the HER Saturdays provide health care services but also give down-on-their-luck women a place to be pampered a little and to have a little fun.
It matters so much to me that feel-good stories matter to you, Kerry. They are here because I need them, too.
I am so grateful for you; for your kind presence in this world and your reporting the essential good news. Thank you for seeking out these stories and for sharing them.
I, in turn, am grateful that people read the stories and are sometimes touched by them. Thank you.
What a positive story! Thanks for sharing!