Abby's House Fashion Show © 2010 Erb Photography

The Abby's House team for the First Annual Hip Hip Her Race

Shelter

Imagine having nowhere to go; nowhere to sleep, eat or shower. Now, imagine having children to take care of under these circumstances. Where would you go?

Housing

Abby’s House is Worcester’s largest provider of affordable housing specifically designed to meet the needs of women and children.

Advocacy

We all need support to get through the tough times in our lives. At Abby's, having a personal Advocate makes a world of difference to the women we serve. 

Abby's Shelter Gets a Fresh Coat of Paint

HipHipHerRace

October 15, 2011 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Thanks Everyone!

This year's HipHipHerRace was another rousing success! Thanks to all of you -- runners, walkers, spectators, volunteers, and our sponsors -- for making the event such a blast! 

Our Mission

Since 1976, Abby Kelley Foster House, Inc. (Abby’s House) has provided more than 11,500 homeless women and children with a safe place to stay, regroup, and rebuild. Abby’s House was among the first shelter for women, with or without children, in the U.S. At present, it is one of two family shelters in the area that does not require its guests to be on welfare. With 78 units, Abby’s House is the largest provider of affordable housing in Worcester designed  to meet the needs of women and children.

Things We Need

Top Ten Needs

  • Twin size mattress & box spring sets
  • Mattress Covers (twin size)
  • Pillows
  • Pillow cases
  • External hard drives (@ least 50GB)
  • Black and Silver Permanent Sharpies (medium)
  • Sturdy, high quality pots & pans for our food service 
  • WRTA BUS PASSES
  • Home Depot Gift Cards 
  • Gift Cards to area supermarkets

Fundraising Events Organized by Community Groups

Groups of all sizes from across New England organize fundraising events to benefit Abby’s House. Just a few of many examples of these are:

The Business of Success

Sometimes it is hard to imagine why people become homeless. Could it be a direct effect of what life has unexpectedly placed in their path? For Anne, it was receiving the news that her husband wanted a divorce.
Her story continues...
Tragedy to Triumph

This is the story of Mary. Mary is 56 years old, an African American woman and she has been a part of Abby's House since the 90s. Mary is developmentally challenged and suffers from Anxiety Disorder. She grew up with her parents, her aunt and later with her cousin after her parents passed away. Her cousin and cousin's boyfriend were physically and emotionally abusive, restricting her access to food until late in the day by putting a chain in the refrigerator and stealing her money.
Her story continues...
A New Season of Life

Due to emotional abuse, Debbie made the choice to separate from her husband. Though she had access to stay elsewhere, she chose Abby's House. Debbie graciously shares her story…
Her story continues...