• We address every person, child, family, and senior who comes through our doors as a Guest, regardless of faith or beliefs. Our mission is to serve all with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

• For many, Lazarus House Ministries is their primary meal each day and their only connection to kindness and compassionate connections from those who genuinely care about their lives.
• We open the doors of our Food Pantry on Wednesdays to provide supplemental groceries to individuals and families in need. Recently we had over 1,770 community members come through our doors, and we anticipate that number to grow to 2,000 before the year end.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Guests we serve at our Soup Kitchen has increased by 80% (150 per day).
• In 2024, due to the growing number of individuals we serve, the Great Boston Food Bank honored Lazarus House Ministries by selecting them to receive supplementary groceries for the community.

• Our transitional housing facilities are more than just a place to stay; they are a place where residents can rebuild their lives. Our apartments provide shelter, safety, and comfort from what is commonly an unstable and challenging life. Our goal is to empower our Guests to break the cycle of homelessness.
• Massachusetts is the only State in the country that has a “Right to Shelter” law and this generous offering often brings those seeking accommodations to Lazarus House Ministries’ doors.
• During the past 12 months, our Advocates have made a significant impact mentoring and guiding each family. Their efforts enable 1/3 of our Guests to move to self-funded apartments in the Merrimack Valley annually.
• Capernaum Place maintains a 98% occupancy rate round-the-clock, 365 days a year, underscoring the ongoing need for our case managers’ skill in linking Guests with vital resources. These encompass higher education opportunities, STEM Skills Programs for our families’ children, after-school activities, summer programs, and other essential activities that empower Guests to achieve independence and support their families.

• The Thrift Store generates sufficient funds to cover its operational expenses.
• Based on their current income levels, we offer household furnishings to our Guests at adjusted prices, ensuring they can create safe and comfortable environments to raise their children.
• Every week, more than 500 community members come through our doors, discovering essential items and receiving support, making the Thrift Store a vital resource for many.
• Our clothing collection offers high-quality items, ranging from gently used to brand-new pieces, made possible by the generous donations from our community. This ensures that everyone can access affordable and stylish options.

• Lazarus House Ministries supported 30,000 individuals in the past year.
• Case managers developed short and long-term personal and family goals plans that ensure 1/3 of all families acquire self-funded housing each year.
• Project Bethlehem provided Christmas gifts to over 650 families in our community.
• Over 5,000 volunteer hours were donated annually, making us one of the largest volunteer programs in the Merrimack Valley.

Blessings Friends,

At Lazarus House Ministries, our mission is rooted in offering Love, Hope, and Service to our community. These values take many forms, such as providing life-sustaining necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. Yet, our belief that we should Walk Alongside our Guests in each step of their journey builds their trust in themselves to overcome each challenge they face.
Our Advocates, the dedicated staff members who interact with our Guests day to day, are privileged to see the transformation our families undergo on their road toward stability and independence.

Our team of advocates are gifted professionals, and as part of the community, they have seen and felt first-hand the struggles our Guests encounter – be it single parenthood or unplanned pregnancy, loss of family income, homelessness, hunger, or trauma. They are immensely qualified to lead and support our families every day. Their experiences enable them to offer assistance, empathy, and a compassionate ear while meeting our guests where they are, both emotionally and psychologically. When our Guests are ready, we provide guidance on the services available to them, both within Lazarus House Ministries and in the community.

Healing and progress don’t follow a predictable path. It can be a very bumpy road, yet our Guests know that we are there to support them through every up and down, preparing them for a future they, themselves, believe they can attain. Our goal extends beyond immediate relief; we strive to equip our Guests with the tools and life skills necessary to pursue educational opportunities that lead to new and exciting careers helping them reclaim their sense of self-reliance.

Our entire staff recognizes the crucial role of being an attentive and supportive parent. As many of our Guests are mothers, we prioritize active listening to their children’s needs, celebrating their accomplishments, and providing them with a sense of comfort and security. We congratulate them on their achievements and provide comfort and security. Our team acknowledges the significance of this parental role and provides the necessary support to empower our Guests to be the best parents they can be.

Together, we walk alongside our Guests on their journey towards independence and community membership. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life with dignity and respect.

As Executive Director, I again turn to you—our devoted and dependable donors – to make a financial donation. We are all called to be servants in the best of ways. Your generous gift is a form of service so we can serve our Guests with all the dignity, care, and respect they deserve. Please visit our website lazarushouse.org/ways-to-give/ to make your donation. Thank you sincerely for all you do in service to our Guests.

Gratefully,

Carmen H. Vega
Executive Director