2024 Needleworkers
The Broad Street Ministry Menders
When the weather turned cold last winter, John, who lived on the street in Philly, realized that his overcoat lacked any buttons. So he turned to the Broad Street Ministry, where for the past 12 years, a crew of volunteers has replaced buttons, resewn zippers, mended linings and pockets, and otherwise served the sewing needs of the city’s unhoused. Their reward is the gratitude of those they serve, whose possessions may be old but are treasured. As volunteer seamstress Helen Cunningham told the Inquirer, “We try to be the people of yes.”