“The needs of our clients and the families we serve is growing exponentially.  In March the unemployment rate in Haverhill was just over 3%.  At the end of May it is a jarring 20%.  As parents attempt to return to work, they are finding shuttered child care centers and restrictions on the number of children that can be served.  It will be an uphill battle for many and we will be there to help them navigate a new path.”
  — Kerri Perry, Community Action Inc., Haverhill

 

DONATE NOW TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

The One Haverhill Fund — convened by Representative Andy Vargas and established by Haverhill community leaders, including Mayor James Fiorentini, Representative Christina Minicucci, the Greater Haverhill Chamber, Community Action, Inc., Emmaus, Haverhill food pantries, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley — will mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the pandemic. This fund will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of our city.

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools, and homes, many in Haverhill are being impacted in ways they never imagined a month ago. Businesses who make up the backbone of our local economy have significantly reduced their hours or have been forced to close. People who are not paid if they are not working are trying to figure out how they will make ends meet. This fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so, generously, in support of their neighbors.

HOW WILL THE One Haverhill FUND HELP?

These funds will cover the costs of essential needs including, but not limited to, rent, food, utilities, internet connectivity, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities. 

At this time, this fund is not intended to support nonprofit capacity. It will rather focus on the basic needs of families. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Haverhill nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.

HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE One Haverhill FUND?

You can donate to our fund by clicking the yellow GIVE TODAY button or by clicking here. All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in our community. You may also give via your Donor Advised Fund by including “The One Haverhill Fund” in your recommendation details. Our tax ID number is 04-2382233.

You can also send a check to the following address: United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Inc., P.O. Box 412866, Boston, MA. 02241-2866. Please make checks out to “United Way of Massachusetts Bay” and include “The One Haverhill Fund” in the memo of your check.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you need immediate help, please contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus. In addition, please contact Haverhill’s 3-1-1 call center for assistance. Anyone within the city limits can simply dial 311 and reach trained operators from 8AM-4PM to respond to non-emergency questions and concerns.

The One Haverhill Fund is proud to partner with the following Haverhill organizations to support residents:

• Community Action, Inc.
• Emmaus
• All Saints Parish
• Common Ground Cafe
• Liz Murphy Open Hand Pantry
• Sacred Hearts Food Pantry
• Salvation Army
• Somebody Cares New England