Occupy Boston Winterization

By Vivian Leung
Original Post: Oct. 5, 2011       Updated: May 31, 2014

Occupy Boston protestors got a taste of the harsh winter ahead after last weekend’s snowstorm ravaged through their tents at Dewey Square.

Occupiers, however, didn’t seem too worried about the chilly New England winter that is, quickly, heading their way.

“Don’t worry about it until it gets here,” said Frank Breschia, a volunteer food-technician coordinator. “Until it gets very cold, then we’ll start worrying about it.”

Despite the relaxed demeanor of many volunteers at Occupy Boston, the camp must devise a winterization plan. Even local emergency medical technicians are stationed at Dewey Square as a safety precaution.

The camp is “working with the city” to prepare for the harsh weather ahead, according to volunteer EMT Phil McDonagh. “If it gets worst like it did last weekend, we’ll have access to shelters.”

Occupy Boston has also been depending on the kindness of strangers for resources.

“We probably get a donation of once every five minutes are so,” said Jeanne Mansfield, a volunteer. “People are walking around here all day- especially at lunchtime.” Mansfield believes the money will be spent toward winter supplies, such as durable tents and sleeping bags.

In addition, the camp has also been able to “serve somewhere between 750 to 2,000 meals a day” through public donations, said Brescia. Along with food, occupiers are receiving clothing donations from the public.

“We have, like, a clothing donation tent that a lot of people were taking stuff from—which is good, so they stay warm,” Mansfield added.

But will occupiers be bold enough to face the cold?

“I don’t know that I could do it,” Mansfield said. “But I will do everything I can to help anyone who’s willing to do that.”

Reporting from Dewey Square in Boston, Vivian Leung.