BHFH Digest—June 2, 2026

Photo: House residents gathered around a campfire at their retreat this past weekend.

Dear Friends,

Just like that and summer is here. Perhaps, like me, you are planting your seedlings this week. I love to lose track of time tending to my small patch of earth. It helps me slow down as I marvel at all the growing things. Having dirt under my fingernails reminds me that I am a part of ancient seasonal rhythms.

Residents held our semi-annual Housie retreat a few weekends ago in Douglas, MA. They had a chance to play games, explore the woods, and connect with each other and our surroundings in ways that are hard to do in the busy day-to-day of House and city life. This moment of retreat is another ritual we do around the season change that gives us a break, lets us find ourselves, and connects us with nature.

I hope you are able to find time to reconnect in these warm months, too. May you find time to be in the woods, or on a lake, or wherever you prefer to be surrounded by nature. May you find refreshment and peace there. And I hope you find new ways to connect with people at a wedding, or picnic, or graduation celebration, or just a walk near your home. May you learn something new about them and remember why you love them. May you learn something new about yourself.

Have a s’more for me!

Alana Parkes
Admin and Outreach Manager

We Have Residency Openings!

“I came to the Friends House seeking personal growth and a way to impact the world, and I found both.” –Kutub Gandhi (current resident)

Looking for a transformative experience? Looking to connect deeply with others in this time? BHFH residency could be a good fit for you.

We are seeking new residents,
with immediate openings from now through Sept. 1. 

Support For Our Residents

One way we are able to have a diverse residential community is through providing a financial assistance program for residents — making it more possible for people from different economic situations to live in community, grow, and learn together, deepening our residency experience. 

This past year 12 of our 24 residents received financial aid for at least part of their time at BHFH. This program is supported by the generosity of current residents, alumni, and others in our wider community. 

If the BHFH residency experience is meaningful to you, will you consider supporting our financial assistance program with a gift today?

Upcoming BHFH programs and events

Whether you're in Boston or across the world, there are opportunities to connect in community through BHFH. 

Learn about the Friends House’s upcoming events here and at https://www.bhfh.org/learn-and-connect