Volunteers Bring Aid to Boston's Unsheltered During Arctic Freeze

Locals set up weekly aid stations outside South Station to help those sleeping outdoors in the bitter cold.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:47pm

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As an Arctic cold front grips Boston, volunteers have been stepping up to provide food, clothing, and other assistance to the city's unsheltered residents who are struggling to stay warm on the streets. WBUR reporter Lynn Jolicoeur spoke with some of these individuals to understand how they are coping with the extreme winter weather and the vital role the volunteer aid stations are playing.

Why it matters

Boston has long grappled with homelessness, and the city's unsheltered population faces heightened risks during severe winter storms. These volunteer-led aid efforts aim to provide a crucial lifeline to the most vulnerable residents when temperatures plummet, underscoring the community's commitment to supporting its homeless neighbors.

The details

At least once a week, local volunteers set up tables outside Boston's South Station, a major transit hub, to distribute food, blankets, and other supplies to anyone in need. Many of the unsheltered individuals spend their nights on the streets or in other public spaces after South Station closes at midnight, seeking refuge from the bitter Arctic air.

  • The volunteer aid stations operate at least once a week.
  • South Station, a popular overnight refuge, closes at midnight.

The players

Boston's unsheltered residents

Individuals experiencing homelessness who lack access to stable, indoor shelter and must brave the elements, particularly during extreme winter weather.

Local volunteers

Area residents who have organized to set up regular aid stations outside South Station, providing food, clothing, and other assistance to Boston's unsheltered population.

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The takeaway

These volunteer-led aid efforts underscore the community's commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents and providing a lifeline to those facing the dire consequences of homelessness during Boston's harshest winter conditions.