Abby’s House
Worcester, MA – MassDevelopment has issued an $8.2 million tax-exempt bond for Abby’s House, an organization in Worcester that provides housing, shelter, and support services to homeless and low-income women, with or without children. The organization will use bond proceeds to renovate its 53-unit single occupancy facility at 52 High Street in Worcester.
The renovations will add two units, bringing the total unit count to 55; update HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and security systems; and increase accessibility with a reconfigured entrance, an elevator, and accessible kitchens and bedrooms. Eastern Bank purchased the bond.
“Abby’s House provides women in need of financial and emotional support with the security of a safe, accessible home,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “MassDevelopment is proud to help finance this project, which will allow Abby’s House to plan for the long-term by updating its existing building.”
The facility the largest provider of supportive housing for women in Worcester. It empowers women in need of housing by developing a network of appropriate services and support systems to prevent future homelessness. They operate year-round, seven days per week, 24 hours per day. Abby’s House also provides access to health and fitness facilities, meals and a food pantry, clothing vouchers for use in the Abby’s House thrift shop, transportation to medical appointments, and parenting support.
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“Core to Eastern Bank is doing good things that help people prosper,” said Pamela Feingold, Senior Vice President of Community Development Lending for Eastern Bank. “We are honored to work with Abby’s House around the financing of renovations that will continue to make safe, affordable housing available in the community.”
“The preservation and enhancement of critically-needed housing at 52 High Street will positively affect the lives of women and families in the Worcester region for decades to come,” said Abby’s House Executive Director Stephanie Page. “Abby’s House is grateful to MassDevelopment, Eastern Bank, and all of our wonderful supporters who are making this important renovation possible.”
