For #GivingTuesday, Emmaus Seeks Public’s Donations to Help Offset Pandemic Costs

The interior of a temporary shelter erected for Emmaus of Haverhill. (Courtesy photograph.)

Haverhill’s Emmaus, faced with unanticipated financial shortfalls related to the coronavirus pandemic, is one of the many nonprofits seeking the public’s help on #GivingTuesday.

For the sixth year in a row, Haverhill Bank is matching the first $2,000 donated to Emmaus on #GivingTuesday. Once donations reach $25,000, Haverhill Bank will match the next $2,500 that Emmaus receives dollar-for-dollar.

“We hope that Emmaus donors will step up so that the organization can access the maximum match of $4,500 on Giving Tuesday. Haverhill Bank is proud to support Emmaus and we hope those in the community will follow our example,” said Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer.

Created to aid the homeless in 1985, Emmaus was forced this year to increase staffing when it converted its overnight shelter into a 24/7 operation to keep people inside and safe; purchased personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies; hired professional cleaning companies; and made modifications across all programs to keep staff and guests safe, such as installing handwashing stations and reconfiguring dining and sleeping arrangements.

“Donors and volunteers have always been the lifeblood of Emmaus,” said Emmaus CEO Jeanine Murphy. “The pandemic has brought to life their essential contributions to our mission of love, hope and compassion.”

Since its founding, Emmaus has helped more than 30,000 children and adults out of homelessness and toward self-sufficiency. This past year alone, Emmaus helped 1,626 people, including 738 children through its shelters and housing programs. On any given night, 300 adults and children call Emmaus “home.”

In addition to its emergency shelters for families and individuals, Emmaus owns and operates 99 units of permanent affordable housing, serves more than 80,000 meals annually, provides food in a regular basis to those residing in Emmaus housing and offers adult education, parenting skills sessions, and job-readiness programs through the Empowerment Program.

Donations may be made at EmmausInc.org. Check may also be made payable to Emmaus Inc. and donors are asked to write “Giving Tuesday” in the memo line, date check for Dec. 1 and mailed to Emmaus Inc., P.O. Box 568, Haverhill, MA  01831.

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