Page 12 - 2019 Annual Report Community Foundation

Joining Forces
to Alleviate Hunger & Homelessness
Earlier this year, the Community Foundation received $100,000 for a Help Alleviate Hunger and Homelessness in Massachusetts grant from an anonymous foundation based in Boston. The grant not only bolsters efforts to mitigate poverty in the region but also represents a unique partnership, as the large foundation sought to work with community foundations throughout the state to identify local food pantries and homeless shelters and distribute funds.
The Community Foundation has distributed all funds to 17 organizations in North Central Massachusetts. Many of them have already used the funds to improve facilities and purchase much- needed appliances, furniture, and equipment.
Funds were awarded for a variety of needs, including shelter repairs and mattresses for Our Father’s House, a new freezer system for Montachusett Veterans Outreach, a refrigerator for Ginny’s Helping Hand, and a storage shed and improved shelving for the Salvation Army Fitchburg/Montachusett Corps Community Center, and more.
Linda Mack, Vice President of Development and Donor Services at the Community Foundation, says she welcomed the opportunity to connect with local organizations, stating, “It’s been wonderful to get to know the agencies that applied and for them to learn about the Community Foundation and how we can help.”
Grant Recipients
ASHBURNHAM COMMUNITY CHURCH
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF WORCESTER
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY MEALS PROGRAM
GARDNER COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
GINNY’S HELPING HAND
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
NORTH STAR FAMILY SERVICES
MONTACHUSETT VETERANS OUTREACH CENTER
NORTH CENTRAL MASS FAITH BASED
COMMUNITY COALITION
OUR FATHER’S HOUSE
THE SALVATION ARMY
SPANISH AMERICAN CENTER
ST. LEO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
WHEAT FOOD PANTRY
WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
WINCHENDON COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE