Cities » Boston
Boston
Facts and Figures
The city of Boston is home to over 645,000 people and over 4.5 million in the Greater Boston area.
26% of Boston’s residents were born outside of the United States. Boston had the 5th highest proportion of foreign-born residents among the 23 largest U.S. cities in 2000.
Because Harvard University, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and other world renowned educational institutions are located here, 1 in 6 heads of state have received part of their education in the Greater Boston area.
Did You Know That…
Boston is a city of many “firsts” for the United States - the Boston Common went from being a cow pasture to the first public park, the African Meeting House was the first church built by freed slaves, and the first World Series was played here (Boston Americans vs Pirates).
Since 1970, the number of churches in the city has begun to grow steadily. Out of this “Quiet Revival”, has come over 100 Spanish speaking congregations and 50 Haitian congregations alone! There is a new global diversity within the Boston church community, as services are regularly conducted in over 30 languages.
Boston is known as “The Walking City”. Parking lots are hard to find on purpose! Everyone is encouraged to take the “T” - Boston’s subway system. This may be one of the reasons it is listed as the 3rd healthiest cities in the United States (according to Forbes Magazine).
People, Problems, Issues
Boston has the oldest public school system in the U.S. (founded in 1647), enrolls 57,000 students and operates 145 schools.
There are about 7,600 homeless people in the city (half are families). More than 100,000 homeless children live across the state of Massachusetts.
Lack of affordable housing is a big problem, and large contributing factor to homelessness, in Boston. The average one bedroom apartment rents for $1,300 per month.
CSM Ministry Site Sampler
Seafarer’s Friend provides much needed services to the men and women who come through Boston’s ports on large ships. Because of high security restrictions, very few ship workers are allowed to get off their vessel while staying in the harbor. Seafarer’s Friend is able to board the ships, bring the crew calling cards, conduct church services, and bring them “ditty bags” at Christmas time.
St. Luke’s–San Lucas Episcopal Church provides food to over 800 families each month. CSM groups have the opportunity to partner in preparing and handing out groceries to neighbors in need.
American Chinese Christian Educational and Social Services (ACCESS) serves the Chinese community in the heart of the city. They provide crucial services, such as ESL, an after-school enrichment program for the children of the community, interpretation services, and much more.
