Front row: Winchester Co-Operative Bank Vice President Katie Gatcomb, HarborOne Bank First Vice President Maureen Wilkinson, Heading Home CEO Danielle Ferrier, Heading Home Chief Development Officer Suzanne Picher, Heading Home Director of Major Gifts Joe Gravellese, Berkshire Bank Senior Vice President Maria Montgomery.
(Photo/Courtesy)
BOSTON – A group of Massachusetts-based banks, including Avidia Bank, recently celebrated a campaign that raised both $300,000 and awareness for the nonprofit Heading Home.
Heading Home is a provider of emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing for extremely low-income families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Heading Home was established in 1974. Last year, it supported over 2,000 people and secured permanent housing for 150 families, including 1,128 children with the average age of 8.
The Heading4Home campaign launched in April with eight banks participating at various levels. During the Red Sox and Orioles game on Sept. 8, bank representatives appeared at Fenway Park to present a check to Heading Home.
“We are excited and proud to see community banks in Massachusetts come together in the fight against homelessness,” said Northern Bank President and CEO Jim Mawn. “As community bankers, we represent a powerful force because of our collective commitment to the communities we serve. We are uniquely positioned to give back in a meaningful way.”
Mawn thanked all of the banks for their participation. The participating banks included, Avidia Bank, Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, HarborOne Bank, Northern Bank, Salem Five Bank and Winchester Co-Operative Bank.
Before the Red Sox and Orioles took the field, a statement was read to the Fenway crowd:
“On the field today, we have local bank leaders who have joined together to support Heading Home in its tireless efforts to end homelessness throughout Greater Boston. This joint $300,000 donation will support thousands of adults and children on their paths out of homelessness.”
Planning is underway for a larger Heading4Home campaign, which is set to launch in 2024.
