Walking Alongside Our Guests
Our Community.
Our Expertise.
Blessings,
At Lazarus House Ministries, we are Walking Alongside Our Guests. When I see one of our Guests, I naturally introduce myself by saying, “Hello, my name is Carmen,” or often, “Hola, mi nombre es Carmen.” I then ask for their name, “¿Como se llama usted?” Building trust with each individual, each family is crucial, and it begins with knowing and addressing each Guest by their name. This simple act of welcome shows the dignity and respect we believe everyone deserves. Lawrence has one of the largest Hispanic communities in Massachusetts. One important way we can build trust is by communicating in our Guests’ native language.
Every Guest has a unique story, and learning about the challenges they face, and what has brought them to Lazarus House, helps us to assist them in finding a new path designed to provide the stability they need for a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The Scope of Homelessness in Merrimack Valley
The Merrimack Valley, like many regions across the United States, is dealing with homelessness in their communities. According to data collected by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, the Commonwealth has seen a steady increase in homelessness over the past decade, with the Merrimack Valley being no exception. In 2023, the region recorded over 2,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night.[i] This includes families with children, single adults, seniors and veterans who have fallen through the cracks of our social safety net.
As the country’s only “Right to Shelter” state, Massachusetts has seen its fair share of individuals seeking shelter. Lazarus House Ministries understands how deeply this crisis affects thousands of individuals and families. As we engage with officials on both the state and local levels, Lazarus House will continue to work tirelessly to provide Food, Clothing, Shelter, Advocacy, and Community Resources to our Guests.
The Power of a Name
A homeless person can go months without hearing their name spoken out loud. In the hustle and bustle of providing essential services, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of addressing someone by their name. For individuals who have been homeless for an extended period, the experience often involves a loss of identity. Long-term isolation and the stigma associated with homelessness can strip away a person’s sense of self-worth. When we call someone by their name, we acknowledge their humanity and individuality, reinforcing that they are indeed seen and valued.
The Psychological Impact of Isolation
Long-term homelessness not only affects physical health but also takes a severe toll on mental well-being. Prolonged isolation can lead people experiencing homelessness to feel without value and invisible. Studies show, and it is no secret, that a significant number of homeless individuals suffer from mental health issues, made worse by their living conditions.[ii] “Children experiencing homelessness frequently need to worry about where they will live, their pets, their belongings, and other family members. In addition, homeless children are less likely to have adequate access to medical and dental care and may be affected by a variety of health challenges due to inadequate nutrition and access to food, education interruptions, trauma, and disruption in family dynamics.”[iii] When we call someone by their name, it’s a small, yet vital, step towards breaking the cycle of feeling alone and helping children reconnect with who they are and their connection to our community.
Children and the Loss of Stability
While we often think of children as unaware of their surroundings, nothing can be further from the truth. Most parents can easily recall when a child starts to walk away from them in a store only to turn back to ensure a loved one is still there. Children will often expand the distance they “wander” until they reach a state of discomfort that forces them to turn around once again. Safety and security are instinctive to each child from birth, which is why we believe that homelessness impacts children uniquely and profoundly. For children, being homeless means more than just a lack of a stable home; it disrupts their sense of well-being, education, friendships, and sense of security. Instability can lead to developmental delays and emotional trauma. According to the National Center for Homeless Education, children who experience homelessness are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. They often struggle academically due to frequent school changes and absences. Our Case Managers spend significant time working with parents to help understand the toll homelessness takes on them and their children.
Restoring Identity and Dignity
At Lazarus House, we believe in the transformative power of recognizing the dignity of those we serve. Addressing our Guests by their names is a critical component of this mission. It signifies respect and recognition, vital in helping individuals regain their self-esteem and identity. This practice is not just about politeness; it’s a form of psychological support that can aid their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Love, Hope and Service
Walking Alongside Our Guests is what we do. Your financial support allows us to have the Case Managers available to listen, to understand with empathy, and to advocate for each Guest, providing them with opportunities they didn’t think were possible. Treating everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve is what defines our mission. With faith and a commitment to offering Love, Hope, and Service, we strive to cultivate a community where everyone can grow into their best selves.
A Call to Action
Our community has a collective responsibility to support those experiencing homelessness. While providing physical resources like food and shelter is crucial, we must also focus on these individuals’ emotional and psychological needs. Using their names is a simple yet powerful tool in our efforts to restore their dignity. We encourage everyone—our staff, volunteers, service providers, and community members—to make this a habit.
Please support us. We Cannot Do What We Do without You!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our work. We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your financial support is critical to our success; we can’t do what we do without your donations. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of so many. If you would like to see the Ministry in action, please call us to schedule a tour by contacting Ellen Bedrosian at ellen@lazarushouse.org
Gratefully,
Carmen H. Vega
Executive Director, Lazarus House Ministries
[i] Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. (2023). Homelessness statistics for Merrimack Valley.
[ii] Homelessness, housing instability and mental health: making the connections
[iii] National Center for Homeless Education. (2023). The impact of homelessness on children’s education and well-being.
Blessings Everyone,
At Lazarus House Ministries, one of our core values is meeting our Guests where they are in life, Walking Alongside Our Guests during their journey helps us understand their daily challenges and identify their strengths, goals, and desires, as we all move forward.
In the past 41 years, Lazarus House Ministries has grown into a gateway of services in our community. Together, our volunteers, donors, sponsors and staff have worked to make available food and shelter needed in this community. Sometimes, during visits with our program coordinators, visitors have remarked, “I didn’t know you did that.”
I am more committed than ever to continue spreading the word about our services, and the enormous impact each makes in the lives of our Guests.
You may know that, with your help, Lazarus House Ministries has long been a vital part of our community in both good times and bad.
But did you know;
- 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.
You may know your assistance helped establish and provide healthy, nutritious food at St. Martha’s Food Pantry and The Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen.
But did you know that;
- 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.
You may know that we provide housing at our Emergency Shelter and Capernaum Place.
But did you know;
- 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.
You may know that Lazarus House Ministries operates the Thrift Store on S. Union St in Lawrence, MA.
But did you know;
- 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.
You may know that Lazarus House Ministries assists all our Guests with improving their health and wellness. Through our Advocacy, Community Resources and Outreach programs, we offer connections to a variety of health services, including medical, dental, and mental health care.
But did you know that in the past 12 months;
- 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.
Walking Alongside Our Guests is what we do. I hope you now see the “all” you make possible. Your support allows us to listen, understand with empathy, and advocate for each Guest, providing them with opportunities they didn’t know possible and treating all with the dignity and respect they deserve. With faith and a commitment to offering Love, Hope, and Service, we strive to cultivate a community where everyone can grow into their best selves.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our work. We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your financial support is critical to our success; we can’t do what we do without your donations. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of so many. If you would like to see the Ministry in action, please call us to schedule a tour by contacting Ellen Bedrosian at ellen@lazarushouse.org
Gratefully,
Carmen H. Vega
Executive Director, Lazarus House Ministries
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