Franciscan outreach extends to Boston’s most vulnerable: homeless women
Author: Teresa Peterson
Date Published: June 23, 2026
Homeless and alone, a woman made her way to the Rita A. DiMento Women’s Clinic in downtown Boston. At this unique health center, the 63-year-old found more than medical care; she rediscovered her own dignity.
“She took a shower for the first time in one month and received new clothing. The Clinic staff found her a shelter bed and then she went to the chapel because she loves St. Anthony, and she just said, ‘This is the best day,’” shared Mary Ann Ponti, St. Anthony Shrine’s director of outreach and community engagement.
Founded 10 years ago, the clinic located at St. Anthony Shrine, specializes in restoring hope to those who have faced the most difficult challenges imaginable. It’s a safe space for homeless women who are considered the most vulnerable among the unhoused. Some of the women have been trafficked and abused and they may face additional hardships such as addiction and mental illness.
The Franciscans have a calling to care for people who are struggling or are considered outcasts.
“We’re all about ministering to people on the outskirts, the most forgotten, the person who's having the hardest time,” said Br. Thomas Conway, OFM, executive director of St. Anthony Shrine.
The Franciscans also place a high value on honoring and respecting the individual.
“Another piece of Franciscan ministry is one person at a time. Your individual story is important. You tell me your story, and then we'll figure out where to go. What's the next step for you?” said Br. Tom.
Mary Ann Ponti serves as director of outreach and community engagement at St. Anthony Shrine. She is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor who helps homeless women in downtown Boston. (Photo from St. Anthony Shrine)
The clinic is exclusively operated by women, including a team of doctors, nurse practitioners and RNs who serve the complex health care needs of homeless women.
The friars give the clinic a space to operate, assist with administration, fundraising and grant writing, and offer spiritual support.
“The friars provide a calm, prayerful environment, which is really important when you're working with people who are living in chronic survival mode and chaos,” said Mary Ann.
Brothers Thomas Conway, OFM, (left) and Charles O'Connor, OFM, both serve at St. Anthony Shrine. (Photo from St. Anthony Shrine)
Clients who visit the clinic have access to safe, secure and private spaces that include clean bathrooms, showers and exam rooms. They have access to counseling, food and social services. They obtain referrals for housing and other essential needs. While on the premises, they are encouraged to rest and recover.
“In normal medicine, they're trying to get you out the door as fast as they can because they need to see more people because they have quotas. This is the opposite. We’re slowing the person down, trying to build up the relationship,” said Br. Tom.
Mary Ann and other members of the outreach team take to the streets on a regular basis, looking for women who may need their services. They take an incremental approach because it takes time to build trust.
“A lot of women have been exploited. So, we want to unwind those situations. We are always working towards getting someone to a safe place,” said Mary Ann, who is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
Mary Ann Ponti gives Boston Mayor Michelle Wu a tour of the Rita A. DiMento Women’s Clinic located at St. Anthony Shrine in downtown Boston. (Photo from St. Anthony Shrine)
As the clinic observes its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the volunteers and staff are filled with gratitude for the ability to serve women who are most in need and for the facility upgrades that provide the best experience possible.
In 2020, the clinic underwent a $1 million renovation to transform rooms, originally built in 1954 for counseling, into a modern medical facility.
“I'm really grateful for those people who understand what it is we're doing and support it with gifts,” said Br. Tom.
Homeless women who visit the Rita A. DiMento Women’s Clinic sometimes spend time in prayer in front of this statue of St. Anthony of Padua. (Photo from St. Anthony Shrine)