Winter is a test of endurance, and this winter especially is putting Boston on edge. Even our mayor seems broken down; in a recent press conference he said, “I don’t know what to say to anybody anymore. Hopefully it will stop eventually.” As such, many of us will emerge from the cold with newfound upper-body strength and callused hands from shoveling. Some of us won’t be so lucky, and will struggle to pay rent in the coming months. Some will face even worse fates.

We all have a right to complain, but we also have a responsibility to remember that we need one another’s help to get through this winter. We need mutual aid. We’re the city of space savers, but we’re also the city where a group like Black Lives Matter Boston can organize volunteers to shovel walkways in vulnerable communities. And since it looks like things won’t thaw over any time soon, we need even more actions like #BLMDigsOut.

It’s time for those of us who can show up, to show up. Snow, rain, or sunshine. The city is overwhelmed. If we keep acting in support of one another, there’s a chance that we can dig ourselves out.

EMILY HOPKINS

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