Friends and loved ones are pulling together in support of Warren Goldstein-Gelb in this time of need.

By Haley ED Houseman

Community members are coming together to give back to Warren Goldstein-Gelb, a devoted leader of local non-profit The Welcome Project. A large number of local nonprofits have joined together to host a benefit for Goldstein-Gelb, who recently suffered a stroke that will require a long road to recovery.

With bills to pay and the stress of long-term illness lingering, the community will hold a benefit on February 3 that will feature family-friendly food and music, with numerous raffle prizes and a silent auction, at Aeronaut Brewery on Tyler Street.

In addition to raising his family in Somerville, Goldstein-Gelb led the Welcome Project as the Executive Director for the past ten years. He is deeply rooted in the community, and those he has touched are eager to give back to him and his family.

Lee Palmer, a School Committee member, had considered him a friend and mentor since becoming involved with the Welcome Project, where Goldstein-Gelb works to support social justice and local immigrant families. His work, says Palmer, embodies who he is. “Warren has such a big heart and has dedicated his life to helping meet the needs of others, through strategic organizing and alliance-building, creative and effective educational programming, and smart policy and advocacy work.”

The symmetry of the situation makes the benefit even more meaningful. “It is just so fitting that we would all come together as a community to support him in this way so he can continue to focus on his own recovery,” adds Palmer.

Mark Alston-Follansbee, Executive Director, Somerville Homeless Coalition, can also attest to the heartfelt commitments between Goldstein-Gelb and the nonprofit community. “His stroke was devastating for many of us, but the incredibly hard work Warren is doing to regain his life have been both miraculous and inspiring.” With the impact that Goldstein-Gelb has had on the citizens of Somerville, particularly those who are struggling to build a new community, the outpouring of support has been gratifying but not surprising. Alston-Follansbee is particularly proud of Somerville for this. “Seeing the love and support this community has given Warren and his family during this traumatic period exemplifies the best in all of us.”

One of the organizers of the event, Theresa Vazquez-Dodero, of Somerville Main Streets, notes the aid they are providing is the least that could be done. “He’s been giving so much to the community. We can give back to relieve the stress on his family right now.” In addition to the benefit, supporters can contribute to the community pot luck <https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/q7o8k8> or to a fund for medical expenses <http://www.plumfund.com/medical-fund/warren-aid> for the Goldstein-Gelb family.

The fund has already reached half of its funding, and the family has provided some updates on the road to recovery. Contributions are always welcome, even if unable to attend the benefit, as Goldstein-Gelb works to get back to the work and the community he loves.

What: Benefit in support of Warren Goldstein-Gelb

Where: Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler Street in Somerville (parking restrictions loosened to accommodate guests)

When: Wednesday February 3, at 5:00 pm.

How to Help: In addition to the benefit, supporters can contribute to the community potluck <https://www.mealtrain.com/potlucks/q7o8k8> or to a fund for medical expenses <http://www.plumfund.com/medical-fund/warren-aid> for the Goldstein-Gelb family.