December Nonprofit: Abby’s House

By Dani Babineau

 Our December nonprofit needs no introduction.

Abby’s House, our nonprofit in December, has been serving the Worcester community for more than 40 years, and they’ve provided shelter and affordable, supportive housing to more than 14,000 women and children in need. It’s a bona fide Worcester institution, and one of the first nonprofits that came to mind when we decided to donate our tips to charity. 

And today, their mission and the work they do is more essential than ever. Read on to learn about the services Abby’s House provides and why they’re critical to vulnerable women experiencing homelessness in our city.

What’s the mission of Abby's House and what does the organization do?

The mission of Abby’s House is to provide shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, battered, and low-income women with and without children. Founded in Worcester in 1976, Abby’s House was one of the first shelters in the United States for women. Since that time, we have expanded our services to include 79 units of affordable, supportive housing in addition to our nine shelter beds, and have helped more than 14,000 women and their children reclaim and rebuild their lives. 

At Abby’s House, we empower the women we serve to lead self-directed lives filled with dignity and hope. We are able to serve women from all circumstances, helping each woman who comes through our doors meet her individual goals.

Why is Abby's House's mission important to the Worcester area?

The mission of Abby’s House is important to the Worcester area because it directly impacts women and children who are facing homelessness in Worcester. According to the HUD Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Massachusetts had the largest increase in overall homelessness in the country from 2017-2018, as well as the largest increase in homelessness among families with children. Through the support and dedication of our donors, volunteers, partners, staff, and community, we are able to help those who are facing homelessness find a safe place to stay where they can then make a plan to find permanent, stable housing to move them out of homelessness. 

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2019 Out of Reach Report, to be able to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts working at minimum wage ($12/hour), a woman would have to work 91 hours each week. In Massachusetts, Fair Market Rent is $1,425/month for a one-bedroom unit and $1,758 for a two-bedroom unit. The affordable rent for low-income households however is $624/month for minimum wage workers, $769 for Worcester households at 30% of the area median income and $1,078/month for workers earning the average renter way in Worcester. 

With the lack of affordable housing available in the city, Abby’s House is able to offer 79 units of safe, supportive and affordable housing to women, with and without children, who need this type of housing.

What has Abby's House accomplished that you’re most proud of?

We are most proud of the 14,000 women and children whose lives have been changed through the support and dedication of the Abby’s House community.

How might donations from Redemption Rock customers help Abby's House in the future?

Donations from Redemption Rock customers will help women facing homelessness get back on their feet. Whether you give a monetary donation, make an in-kind donation, or volunteer your time, your generosity has a lasting effect on the women and children who come through our doors each day. 

Do you have any upcoming events that people should know about?

Abby’s House hosts two major fundraisers each year: Spring-Tacular, a food and beverage tasting event with a silent auction in the spring and our 5K run/walk in the fall. Next year’s Spring-Tacular event will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center, Ballroom. Tickets will go on sale in February. You can stay up to date with our events and learn more about the women and children who are impacted through your generosity by visiting www.abbyshouse.org.