Haley
House

Live-In Community

Bring Community Together

Since the start, the Live-In Community of Haley House has brought together diverse, loving, and dedicated people who have offered to commit themselves fully to the daily mission of Haley House, while living together as an intentional community on the top floors of 23 Dartmouth Street. While managing the direct services of Haley House, members commit to living together as a community, building deep connections with each other and our guests. Hospitality is key to the community’s way of life. The Live-Ins share friendship, space, and material goods that we have received through the generosity of others.

Two-Year Residency

Joining the Live-In Community is a two-year commitment to living intentionally in community at Haley House while helping to run Haley House’s direct service programs (Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry and more). Members participate in weekly meetings, community meals, shared tasks, and collective decision-making surrounding both the community and their work in the Haley House soup kitchen. Click below to learn more and apply. Email liveins@haleyhouse.org with questions.

Summer Residency

Summer residency at Haley House is a unique opportunity for people who are interested in building relationships with guests and volunteers, while helping to manage a soup kitchen, and living in an intentional community. Summer residents are integrated into the regular work of Haley House, and many summer residents choose to continue on with the two-year residency after a summer at Haley House. Summer residency applications are open from January-March each year. Click below to learn more and email liveins@haleyhouse.org with questions.

Joining the Live-In Community

We are currently accepting applications to join the Live-In Community! View the Live-In flier here.

We ask that Live-In Community members commit to two years of full-time immersion in the community. Members of the community are provided room and board so that they can dedicate themselves to running the direct services of Haley House (Soup Kitchen, Elder Meal, Food Pantry, etc.), as well as to intentional community living (sharing work, meals, reflection, and daily life). The community is typically made up of 6-8 people from a variety of ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds. Being part of the Live-In Community is truly a transformative experience. Scroll below for some answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

If you are interested in joining the Live-In Community, please submit the following materials:

• Completed online application
• Two letters of reference
• Current resume

After completing the online application, please submit your references and resume to livein-apps@haleyhouse.org.

If you prefer, you may download an application form and mail your materials to:

Haley House
Live-in Community Application
23 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA, 02116

Haley House Live-In FAQ

What happens after submitting an application to the live-in community?

The community may reach out to schedule a phone or video conversation with applicants following the submission of all application materials. If the community feels that an applicant is a good fit after reviewing their application, they are invited for a two-week stay. This trial stay is a holistic introduction to the soup kitchen programs, the living arrangements of the house, and the community lifestyle, and it also provides applicants an opportunity to explore the surrounding city. After a two-week stay, the applicant moves out of the community for a week of discernment. During this time, the applicant and the community each reflect on their experiences together and determine if the applicant is a good fit for the two-year commitment. After the week, the community reaches out to the applicant with their final decision.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as they are ready. Please note, the community does not extend invitations for two-week stays more than three months in advance of an applicant’s projected move-in date.

What is the work commitment while living at Haley House?

In return for 20-25 hours of work in and supporting the Soup Kitchen, room and board is provided. Food is allocated through our Soup Kitchen, unless you have very particular dietary concerns. Community members attend weekly meetings to discuss community and business matters and gather for a weekly community dinner. Members take on additional side projects and chores while at Haley House.

Can I maintain paid work or go to school while at Haley House?

Some people want or need part-time jobs or are taking a few classes during their live-in experience. Outside work and continuing education is possible with the right time management and communication with the community, but we view our commitment to the community and soup kitchen as our first priority. Stipend work may be available depending on your skill set, interests, and the current availability of positions in the community.

Does the community have a religious background?

The Live-In Community welcomes all faith backgrounds, but we do not have a structured religious setting.

How does the Live-In Community connect with the larger South End community?

Community connectivity is the most important component of our work. We encourage participation in South End community events throughout the year, communication with our neighbors, and inviting friends, family, Soup Kitchen guests, and others to our weekly community dinner.

What are the main responsibilities in the Soup Kitchen?

Our kitchen operates six days per week, and each live-in member acts as a facilitator of the breakfast shift. Some duties include volunteer management and supervision, kitchen safety and health code, and facilitating an environment of respect and peace in the kitchen. These skills are learned by new members and are not a prerequisite to entering the community.

Haley
House

Live-In Community