Building a Welcoming Watertown

10/16/2026

October is passing quickly and colder nights are coming. For some of us, a cold night means turning up the heat and grabbing another blanket. For someone experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe living conditions, it can mean something much more serious.

That’s why Building a Welcoming Watertown started an emergency warming shelter last year. The shelter provides a warm, safe place for adults, families, seniors, and others who have nowhere else to go on nights of extreme cold or severe winter weather.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing stories, impact, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can help make sure our community is ready to welcome those in need.

Everyone deserves a warm place to go on the coldest nights.

10/10/2026

October 10 is World Homeless Day. Homelessness can happen for many reasons: rising housing costs, job loss, unsafe living conditions, family circumstances, health challenges, or simply not having a safe place to go.

Homelessness doesn't always look the way we imagine. It can happen to people of all ages and backgrounds.

This World Homeless Day, we're reminded that addressing homelessness starts with compassion, dignity, and making sure people have somewhere safe to turn. Everyone deserves a warm place to go.

09/16/2026

🍦 Support Local Education—and Treat Yourself! 🍦

The Educational Foundation of Watertown is serving at Culver’s tonight! 15% of profits, including gift card sales, will benefit the Educational Foundation, supporting education in our community.

Sounds like a pretty good reason for cheese curds, burgers, and a scoop of ice cream.

Stop by, say hello, and enjoy dinner while supporting Watertown students and educators!

09/15/2026

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, cultures, contributions, and experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Here in Watertown, our community is strengthened by the many people and families who bring their traditions, experiences, talents, and perspectives to our community. Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting and celebrating those contributions.

There is always more to learn, more stories to hear, and more ways to build a community where everyone feels welcome.

09/11/2026

We wanted to invite everyone who volunteered, donated, and worked to keep people alive last winter to a block party celebrating the success of the Emergency Warming Shelter. Unfortunately, some misinformation about the Warming Shelter's guests has resulted in mixed feelings about the event, and we have made the decision to postpone the event for the time being, in an effort to be responsive to the concerns of the immediate neighbors.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Watertown!

Today we recognize and appreciate the workers who help make our community strong, from local businesses and teachers to healthcare workers, algricultural workers, service workers, volunteers, and so many others.

Building a Welcoming Watertown believes that everyone who lives in, works in, or contributes to our community has a role in making Watertown a place where everyone can belong. 💟

We hope you have a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

08/26/2026

Today, Building a Welcoming Watertown recognizes Women’s Equality Day: a time to honor the women who have helped shape our communities and to recognize the importance of women’s voices in civic life.

For generations, women have contributed to their communities as neighbors, educators, caregivers, business owners, volunteers, leaders, and advocates. Their participation has helped make our communities stronger and more welcoming.

This U.S. postage stamp commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote. As we look ahead to the November election, we encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to make a plan to participate, learn about the voting process, and make their voice heard.

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stamp-US-1970-Woman-Suffrage.png

08/17/2026

Back to School Reflection

Every child deserves access to the tools, opportunities, and support needed to succeed in school, regardless of background, language, family income, or circumstances.

Educational inequities can affect access to school supplies, technology, tutoring, extracurricular activities, and other resources that help students thrive. By recognizing these barriers and working together as a community, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Building a Welcoming Watertown means supporting every child, every family, and advocating for equitable educational opportunities for all.

Do you have a passion for education and want to make a meaningful impact in the Watertown community? Consider joining the Building a Welcoming Watertown Education Task Force! Together, we can identify challenges, develop solutions, and help create a community where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

For more information on the BWW Educational Task Force, contact [email protected]

07/31/2026

07/28/2026

Still not sure how you're voting in the primary? Join us this Sunday to meet candidates in person at the gubernatorial candidate forum.