
Hope for Housing
Hope for Housing is a non-profit program developed by the Interfaith Coalition to Prevent Family Homelessness with assistance from the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. The project raises awareness about homelessness in our community and utilizes the collective buying power of congregations to raise money for the prevention of family homelessness.
Currently over 20 congregations are participating in the program.
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 issue.
The retailers donate 2-10% of all sales to the Hope for Housing program to assist families at risk of homelessness. By purchasing gift cards for local retailers, you can help to stabilize families and keep them in their homes.
Support CMHA with Gift Cards!
Looking for an easy way to support Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance year-round? Purchase gift cards through our RaiseRight fundraiser! Whether you're shopping for everyday essentials or special occasions, a portion of every gift card purchase goes directly to CMHA’s programs for homelessness prevention and housing support — at no extra cost to you.
Download the RaiseRight app or use the QR code in the flyer to get started.
Use our enrollment code: 51IJW4HHPJBW to link your purchases to CMHA.
View the flyer for full details
In this video produced by Mike Savino, CMHA honors Matt Ryan, the founder of the Hope for Housing program, and recognizes the 29 congregations and volunteers for their unwavering commitment, time, and dedication to preventing family homelessness.
One Family’s Story
Jacob and his wife came to CMHA during Housing Counseling with their DCF worker.
Because Jacob had been out of work for several months, they were not able to pay rent for their apartment and the landlord sent them a 14 day notice to quit. They were ineligible for shelter through the state because Jacob and his family left the apartment before the landlord brought them to court, and were unable to secure a non-state shelter spot.
Out of concern for the health and safety for their two sets of twins under the age of 3 and with no support from friends and family, Jacob and his wife voluntarily placed their children in DCF care. The only barrier to reunification with the children was obtaining housing.
Fortunately, Jacob had recently started working again and was able to find an affordable apartment. With HFH funds, we assisted the family with First Month’s Rent and the children were reunited with their very relieved parents.
Gift Cards
Please refer to the lists below to see which stores accept Hope For Housing Gift Cards, and which area churches sell Gift Cards.
Gift Cards can be used while shopping at:
Amazon
Big Y
CVS
Dunkin' Donuts
Hannaford
Panera
Shaw's
Starbucks
Stop & Shop
Target
TJ Maxx/Marshalls
All Saints Church, Worcester
Christ the King Catholic Church
Epworth United Methodist Church, Worcester
First Baptist Church, Worcester
First Baptist Church, Holden
First Church, Sterling
First Congregational Church, Holden
First Congregational Church, Shrewsbury
First Congregational Church, West Boylston
First Parish Church of Berlin
Gift Cards can be purchased from:
Greendale Peoples Church
Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Boylston
Our Lady of the Rosary
St. Columba Church, Paxton
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Holden
St. George Church, Worcester
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Worcester
St. Mary's Church, Holden/Jefferson
United Congregational Church, Worcester
Wesley United Methodist Church
Contact Info
For more information contact: Christina Jagolinzer at 774-243-3830
To Login, go to hfh.cmhaonline.org