Why I Give: Innkeeper Jessica Coughlin

Why I Give: Innkeeper Jessica Coughlin

We recently spoke with Jessica, who gives monthly as part of our Innkeepers Club, about why she supports Pine Street Inn.

"I was catering a friend’s party at the holidays, and when she insisted on paying me, I decided to give that money to charity. Pine Street immediately came to mind because of my father.

Jessica as a child with her father.

At the time, he was a high functioning alcoholic and he passed away when I was 15. When I think about him and his connection to this work, I knew he easily could have been one of these guys who needed help from Pine Street.

What could be a more worthy cause than helping someone who is so in need of the basic things that keep us alive? I give to Pine Street because this organization goes beyond just covering someone’s immediate emergency needs – I’m so impressed by the work done to provide job training and get people into permanent housing!

When you’re out in the city and you see a lot of people on the street, maybe you don’t think about where they go at night or their path. But when I’m out, and I see people who need help, I know I’m giving in a way that’s intentional and gives them a chance at a future.

These are reliable, steady gifts that Pine Street can count on, so to be able to offer a sense of stability by making my gift every month – I’m happy with that. I think it’s also a matter of perspective. When you start thinking about Netflix, Amazon, coffee – this is the least you can do to add one more monthly bill for a cause that is bigger than entertainment!" - Jessica C.

To learn more about joining the Innkeepers Club, visit www.pinestreetinn.org/innkeepers or contact Lisa Feeley, lisa.feeley@pinestreetinn.org or 617.892.9199.