LEWISTON — As members of the homeless community became accustomed to seeing the Cross the Street ministry arrive in its van at Kennedy Park, they began to affectionately refer to it as the “Popemobile.”

Printed on the side of the van are quotes from Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa, along with gold letters that say Prince of Peace Parish. Multiple times a week, parishioners and volunteers with the program’s “street crew” arrive and hand out food and clothing.

Since starting the effort in December 2023, the group found the demand is high. It is in the process of offering the service six days a week: 11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and now 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Prince of Peace Parish is comprised of multiple churches, including the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul at 122 Ash St. in Lewiston.

Paul Castonguay, one of the parish leaders of Cross the Street, said it began with members of the church encountering more and more homeless people near the basilica and downtown, and they got a group together that eventually became Cross the Street.

The name is a reference to the idea that many people will go out of their way to avoid the unhoused when in public, or purposely walk on the opposite side of the road. But Cross the Street challenges people to talk to and help their neighbors, no matter their situation.

“We said let’s do the opposite,” Castonguay said. “Cross the street and go where they are. Give them a little light in their day. It’s not so much supplying them with things, but trying to form relationships and get to know them.”

The effort began by going to the park with supplies two days a week. Sometimes Castonguay would lend his truck for the effort, but eventually the parish acquired a used van and had the images and lettering applied to make it stand out.

On top of the street crew, the ministry also has members devoted to packing items, food preparation and other support. The program has an Amazon wish list, where people can purchase items to donate to the effort, and the website lists clothing items that are needed, like adult hats and gloves.

Castonguay, who is the tennis coach at Bates College, said he’s seen more interest from parishioners to take part in the program, and those who join are given training.

Peter Watko, an Auburn resident, said he got involved with the group after finding out about Cross the Street while at the basilica. He said he made a donation and offered his assistance, and was soon going out with the Saturday crew, delivering water, snacks and toiletry items.

He said it’s been “quite moving” to talk to and hear stories from those on the streets, especially young people.

“While we cannot solve the problem of homelessness in L-A, we can make a difference by taking the time to connect with the individuals living on the street, and it’s a powerful sign of people living their faith, humbly serving their brothers and sisters in need,” he said. “In a time in which our society is so polarized, it’s inspiring to see a group quietly and without fanfare working together to serve others.”

Last week, Castonguay was at Bates College with the Cross the Street van, collecting donations of winter clothing items. The van was parked where students would see it on the way to the annual Harvest Dinner, a large campus event before Thanksgiving break.

Castonguay said the need for the program is “huge,” and he believes the community is stepping up to try to meet the need.

“It’s baby steps at first, but it’s rolling pretty good right now,” he said regarding the effort. “I think the most important thing is the generosity of our community and the parish is what allows us to do this.”

Know someone with a deep well of unlimited public spirit? Someone who gives of their time to make their community a better place? Then nominate them for Kudos. Send their name and the place where they do their good deeds to reporter Andrew Rice at [email protected] and we’ll do the rest.