Category: News

WORCESTER — In her 60s, retired and unable to afford market-rate housing in Worcester on her limited income, Mary J. Chenaille turned to Abby’s House when she could no longer stay with a friend who had let her sleep on her couch for more than a year.

Abby's House awarded "Best Thrift Store 2017".

WORCESTER — Yacaira Diaz was pregnant with her third child, had lost her job and faced homelessness because of domestic violence when she and her children arrived at a shelter in Worcester.

This past summer, on June 7, Abby’s House officially turned 40, an anniversary that has been celebrated with pride and some reflection about how this “bright spot in the city” has only grown brighter over time. Since 1976, Abby’s House has been a life force for the women it has helped as well as for the Greater Central Massachusetts community.

Abby’s House started 40 years ago with the goal of providing homeless women and children with a safe, secure place to call home while they got back on their feet. That goal still remains, and in celebration of 40 years of effort, Abby’s House is hodlding a 40th Anniversary celebration at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Friday, Nov. 4.

WORCESTER — Abby’s House, the largest women’s shelter in Worcester, takes the stage to Mechanics Hall Friday night for its 40th anniversary celebration. The fundraiser will feature speakers, awards, a three-course dinner and music from the group Decades by DeZyne, which will cover tunes from the past four decades.

Daisy Reeves let out a hearty laugh when she recalled the weather on her wedding day in 2007.

Abby’s House in Worcester was founded in 1976 as one of the first shelters for homeless women and children. In its 40-year history, it has helped more than 13,000 women reclaim and rebuild their lives. In addition to emergency shelter, Abby’s House provides 77 units of safe and affordable housing across four properties, as well as advocacy, education and support services to battered, homeless and low-income women.

Full and original article posted on Worcester Magazine
Richard Vaslet’s living situation isn’t ideal. On one hand, he’s on the waterfront with a clear view of Middle River Park, there’s a Walmart within walking distance and he doesn’t pay a penny in rent. On the other hand, Vaslet — who goes by “Red” — lives under a bridge by McKeon Road.