Mary Ann Ponti is the Director of Evangelism at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Boston.

Most of the time, you can find her walking the streets of the city, looking for people in need.

“They are my street family,” Pont said. “Part of my community – whether or not they have a roof over their heads or not.”

Before returning to his native Massachusetts over a decade ago, Ponti worked in finance on Wall Street. She said that everything changed for her after the 2008 financial crisis.

“I found my passion for sure,” she said. “I like my job so much better. “

Father Thomas Conway said it was around 2000 when Arch Street Sanctuary began a major expansion of efforts to help those outside the church walls.

“It’s growing in downtown Boston and in the land of the haves and have-nots,” Conway said. “Our job as Franciscans, without a doubt, is to bring these people together.”

Conway said the pandemic has made the disparity even more apparent. Queues for free groceries handed out at the shrine regularly circle the block.

The shrine also has a new private health clinic for women only.

The renovation began with the installation of a private shower, a precious resource for women who may be at risk in a refuge environment.

Ponti said many women who live on the streets have a history of trauma.

“Being able to offer them a shower as part of their medical service is huge,” she said.

Comprehensive care and information on treatment programs are offered at the clinic but are not imposed on women seeking refuge.

“I try not to be too pushy about this,” Ponti said. “They know all they have to do is raise their hand and I’ll take care of it.”

Still on call, Ponti said she was physically at work at least six days a week.

“People love it,” Conway said. “People really see her as the person who will really help them.”

St. Anthony’s Shrine partnered with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program to open the health clinic.

You can find more information here.