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26 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Leading the community through work and planning throughout the county to incorporate newly available resources for families and individuals living with homelessness. 2. Develop creative approaches to assist people before they face a housing crisis in conjunction with our Community Partners and Foundations. 3. To be the driving force behind affordable housing initiatives. 4. Continue to work with cities and towns across Worcester County to support them so that they can combat homelessness within their communities. 5. Develop new volunteer opportunities outside of our WALK for the Homeless to benefit both our volunteers and their families. 6. Monitor our current data trends to address the current needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 7. Continue to strengthen our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts both internally and externally. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES e annual WALK for the Homeless benefits the programs of Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Friendly House and In the Hour of Need Family Shelter. e WALK Beneficiaries' programs provide direct assistance to Worcester County's most impoverished residents, preventing homelessness and providing direct services to those experiencing homelessness. It is through these programs that we can strengthen the local community and stabilize our most vulnerable citizens. In the fall we also host our annual giving campaign. Funds raised through our annual appeal help us support our families as they transition from shelter support to permanent housing. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ere are several ways in which people can support CMHA's work. Donors can support our programs through our annual appeal, grants, matching gis and major gis. Donations Clearinghouse, our furniture donation program, accepts gently used furniture for families who are moving from shelters to permanent housing. Furthermore, we hold an annual WALK for the Homeless in which donations can be made to support the housing programs of the CMHA, Friendly House and In the Hour of Need Family Shelter. Each fall and winter, CMHA collaborates with community partners and Worcester County schools to collect donations for our most vulnerable families. Previously, people have donated clothes, furniture, toys, school supplies, hygiene products, diapers, wipes and toiletry items. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Central Mass Housing Alliance has volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Our largest opportunities are our annual WALK for the Homeless and our Youth Advocacy Program called Youth Advocating to End Homelessness. To support the WALK people can create a team, donate or volunteer. Volunteers at the WALK usually volunteer for one day. Our youth program meets monthly to plan awareness campaigns, donation drives and fundraising challenges. CMHA is working on a new volunteer program with community partners and groups to create housewarming baskets for our families and young adults that are moving into permanent housing. Central Massachuse®s Housing Alliance Inc. Leah M. Bradley Chief Executive Officer Sam Bitar Board President Sharon Krefetz, Vice President Steven Kennedy, Esq, Secretary Robert McLaren, Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS John Haffty Ron Hayes Kathleen Keohane Julie Koshgarian Sandra Longvall Johnson Deborah Martin Winifred Octave Matthew Palmgren Doreen Samuels "It's been inspiring to see CMHA's growth in helping the homeless in the past 16 years. Our staff reacts to our community's needs by engaging with partners and providing programs. Our annual WALK for the Homeless has been raising awareness for 40 years. During my recent visit to our family shelter site in Leicester, I was touched by the happy and singing children, feeling safe and loved. ese are the reasons why I serve on the board, but especially to ensure every child has a secure and cherished place to call home." – Sam Bitar, Board President 6 Institute Rd. Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: (508) 752-5519 www.cmhaonline.org Full-time employees: 124 Annual Revenues: $30,030,588 Year founded: 1984 MISSION STATEMENT Recognizing the dignity of all, CMHA leads a collaborative response to homelessness that fosters long-term stability through prevention, quality services, education and advocacy. Our Vision is to Lead the way to create a community where everyone has a home through accessing the tools and resources to obtain residential and economic stability. SERVICE AREA Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance proudly serves all of Worcester County to end homelessness. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 66.99% State Agencies 29.11% Federal Agencies 2.11% Trusts and foundations 0.87% Local Government Agencies 0.50% Program Income 0.42% Special Events