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.

Gift cards for local retailers, including Big Y, CVS, Dunkin' Donuts, Hannaford, Panera, Shaws, and Stop & Shop, are purchased in bulk, which in turn are sold to members of participating congregations at their places of worship. 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.

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