Local nonprofit helps homeless at South Station during Boston’s cold emergency

BOSTON — For the first time in more than five years, people were given 24-hour access to South Station Friday night.

It will be open again Saturday night.

Gov. Maura Healey reversed a previous policy and allowed people to spend the night at South Station.

“It was a blessing,” said Anthony Branch, who doesn’t have a home. “It’s progression, baby steps. I’m just glad that I got the opportunity to actually have a warm place to stay.”

Branch said sleeping at South Station Friday night likely saved his life.

“I would’ve just been on the sidewalk as usual,” Branch said. “Frigid cold, I think frostbite, I probably would’ve been dead honestly.”Branch estimates at least 100 people sought shelter at South Station Friday night, and many of them will return Saturday night as well.”It was better than being outside,” said Jaynell Bailey, who has been homeless for seven years. “People die out there you know, it’s freezing, frostbite, all that stuff.”

In addition to shelter, some people were given supplies and clothing thanks to Sofia’s Angels.

“We are here to be able to help the homeless people that are here out in the cold,” said Cathy O’Grady, founder of Sofia’s Angels. “We have blankets, hats, scarves, jackets, sleeping bags.”

O’Grady said she sold some of her clothing and collected donations to raise money for the supplies. In total, she was able to purchase close to $800 worth of items to give out.

“I think it’s not even about the warmth,” said O’Grady. “I think these people also want to be seen. When we walk through, we don’t pay attention to them, and I think just making eye contact is going to be a lot more priceless to them than the blankets are.”

O’Grady said acts of kindness are contagious, and she hopes to inspire others to give back.

“People want to help but they don’t know how to do it,” O’Grady said. “They feel like their small piece is not going to make a difference, but when we all come together, we can move mountains.”

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