As seasons change, my concern deepens for our most vulnerable families, children, elderly individuals, and homeless members within our communities. In these uncertain times—when winter is approaching and economic hardships intensify—it’s crucial we come together with compassion to offer support to those who need it most.
Every day in our region, vulnerable individuals face overwhelming challenges. Rising housing costs, reductions in assistance programs, and increasing eviction filings place heavy burdens on our neighbors. In just two days, we saw home heating fuel costs jump from $4.39 to $5.49 per gallon, adding an unprecedented strain to already tight budgets. I am deeply concerned about how this sudden increase will affect children and families who are struggling to make ends meet. With escalating heating, utility, and food expenses, my heart goes out to everyone facing these daily hardships.
Many of our neighbors are forced to make agonizing, unimaginable choices. Parents lie awake at night, deciding whether to fill a vital prescription, put a hot meal on the table for their children, keep the lights on, or heat their homes. No family should ever have to choose between basic health, nourishment, and warmth, yet these painful trade-offs are a daily reality for so many in our community.
Yet, even amid these genuine challenges, I witness remarkable acts of kindness, resilience, dignity, and renewal at Emmaus every day. Our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners work tirelessly side by side to ensure our neighbors receive not only emergency shelter and warm meals but also the long-term support and resources essential for lasting stability. During these difficult times, let us stand united—checking on one another, offering help to vulnerable families, and strengthening the vital network of care that defines our community. Together, we can make a difference, and I invite everyone to join us in this vital effort of compassion and support.
At Emmaus, our mission has always been to bring hope and resources—meeting people exactly where they are with compassion and partnership. Through our collaborative monthly unsheltered outreach initiative, our team works hand in hand with Haverhill City Hall, police, Community Action Drop-in Center, and the city’s mental health provider to bring resources directly to those living on the street. From July 2025 to June 2026, we successfully placed 38 individuals off the streets into permanent housing. Those numbers are expected to increase.
At the same time, our shelter and housing teams continue to work tirelessly to empower families, helping dozens of parents and children secure stable, permanent homes. These milestones are far more than statistics; they represent lives restored, dignity reclaimed, and bright futures made possible. There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching out to lift someone up. As we look to the future, our commitment remains steadfast: to champion access to housing, defend the dignity of every individual, and ensure that nobody is left without a safe place to turn.
Thank you for walking alongside us, sharing your light, and helping us build a more compassionate community for all.
Yours in Service,
Al Hanscom