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24 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. To ensure children in our shelters have opportunities to thrive and not just survive; 2. To lead creative approaches with our community partners to assist people before they face a housing crisis in con- junction with our Community Partners and Foundations; 3. To be the driving force behind ensuring everyone has a safe, stable and healthy home; 4. To work with cities and towns across Worcester County to support them so that they can combat homelessness within their communities; 5. To work with our partners so our seniors do not become homeless, espe- cially as they represent an increasing demographic at risk of homelessness; 6. To advance construction of the Resource Center, in partnership with the City of Worcester, filling a notably missing piece of service provision for homeless individuals. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES August 1 – 15, 2026: Back-to-School Drive for the approximately 600 children we serve (back-pack drive, school supply drive) CMHA: The Housing Alliance CMHA: The Housing Alliance 18 Chestnut St. Floor 1 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (774) 243-3800 www.CMHAonline.org Employees: 145 Annual revenues: $44,577,325 Year founded: 1984 MISSION STATEMENT To mobilize a comprehensive regional response to homelessness and foster long- term housing stability through advocacy, education, and direct services, with a vision of a world where everyone has a safe, stable and healthy place to call home SERVICE AREA We proudly serve all of Worcester County. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 81%: State Agencies 17%: Federal Agencies >1%: Trusts and Foundations November 10 – December 12, 2026: Our Holiday Gis Campaign for the approximately 600 children we serve (wish lists to fill, toy drives, etc.) March 12, 2027: Our second annual fundraising Gala. An elegant night of celebration and awareness, raising criti- cal funds towards our programs. May 16, 2027: Our Annual WALK to end Homelessness benefits the pro- grams of Central Massachusetts Hous- ing Alliance, providing direct assistance to Worcester County's most impover- ished residents, preventing homeless- ness and providing direct services to those experiencing homelessness. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Capital Campaign for the Day Resource Center, in partnership with the City of Worcester, opening in February of 2027. Please contact Christina at cjagolinzer@cmhaonline.org Online donations are gratefully accepted throughout the year through our online giving portal at www.cmhaonline.org. Donations Clearinghouse, our furniture donation program, accepts gently used furniture for families who are moving from shelters to permanent housing. You may contact Nicole at nquidon@cmhaonline.org. In August we collect Back-to-School supplies for the children we serve. You may contact Michael at mmaher@cmhaonline.org. In November, we host our Holiday Gifts Campaign for the children we serve. You may contact Michael at mmaher@cmhaonline.org. On May 16, 2027, we will host our 42nd Annual WALK to End Homelessness. You may contact Michael at mmaher@ cmhaonline.org. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Central Mass Housing Alliance has volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Our largest opportunities are our annual WALK for the Homeless, Days of Action to spruce up our shelters, and organizing our Donations Clear- inghouse Center. We also partner with volunteers to create housewarming baskets for our families and young adults moving into permanent housing and putting together our backpacks and Wishlist donations. "A home is much more than a place; it is the heart of safety, comfort, and belonging. Everyone has the right to experience the stability and dignity a home provides. Together, we must strive to make this essential foundation accessible to all." - Sam Bitar, Board President Leah M. Bradley Chief Executive Officer Sam Bitar Board President Sharon Krefetz, Vice President Jennifer Nickerson, Treasurer Steven Kennedy, Esq, Secretary BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Alan Brown Lea Christo, LICSW Josephine Fitzgerald John Haffty Sandra Longvall Johnson Kathleen Keohane Julie Koshgarian Deborah Martin Robert McLaren Winifred Octave Doreen Samuels "The rising number of seniors experiencing homelessness in Worcester County is a stark reminder that housing insecurity touches every corner of our community. At CMHA: The Housing Alliance, we recognize that every individual—regardless of age—deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Addressing this crisis requires urgent, united action and unwavering commitment to supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. Together, we can build a future where no child or senior is left without the dignity and security of a home." - Leah Bradley, CEO