Purchase a shopping card for Shaws, Hannafords, Stop & Shop, Panera, Starbucks, TJ Maxx, Target, Amazon, CVS, or Dunkin. You get the full value of the card. The appropriate store in turn donates a percentage of all sales to Hope for Housing Central Massachusetts to assist families at risk of becoming homeless. The program is administered through the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance.

The fastest growing homeless population is children.  It has been demonstrated that children who are homeless experience deflated self-worth, diminished school achievement, and related health and emotional issues. Prevention of homelessness is the most cost effective and least disruptive approach to ending family homelessness.  

Hope for Housing prevents families from becoming homeless by providing subsidies for rental or utility arrearages, rental deposits or heating.  For an average of $545 a family can be helped over a rough spot and avoid becoming homeless.  In contrast, Massachusetts pays $80 per night to house a homeless family in a hotel room with no cooking facility. Most families stay for six to eight months, costing the state an average of about $8,500 per family!

By purchasing these shopping cards you can make a significant difference to families in need.  It is a win-win program!

Shopping cards can be purchased Sunday morning following worship (11:30am) or in the church office Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11am-2pm.