Net of Compassion

Net of Compassion was founded by Pastor Richie Gonzalez, his wife Elizabeth and a dedicated group of volunteers in 2010. Pastor Richie started by handing out sandwiches in brown paper bags to people in need following his own journey with substance use disorder and homelessness. Since then, every Saturday since 2010, Net of Compassion has served over 300 hot meals on the sidewalks of Main South in Worcester. Over time this weekly ritual evolved into disseminating clothing, food pantry items, toiletries, encouragement and referrals to other services. We serve men and women struggling with poverty, substance use disorder, prostitution, homelessness and those living with mental illness.