I've been trying to volunteer with River House the Beverly Men's Shelter. Should I apply with Brie? Thanks for the update.
I have been working for River House as a support admin since November 2013. I have seen an out pouring of giving to the shelter that is just absolutely incredible. I have also seen first hand how the City of Beverly takes care of their own people especially the less fortunate. The men at the River House all so grateful and respectful for everything the Board, Staff and Community does for them. They give back as much as possible. I feel blessed to be a part of River House and consider them part of my family.
Cindy Beckford
River House is a proud accomplishment of Beverly. Everyone in the community knows River House cares for the homeless guests and work to return the guests to lives of self-sufficient. I am proud to be a board member. RCS III
I have been fortunate to be involved with this organization as a board member for the past several years. River House is a homeless shelter with a heart. We offer compassion and support while providing the right tools to allow our guests to regain their self-esteem and lives, gain employment and find permanent housing. I look forward to many more years of service with this organization as we work towards our goal to help end homelessness and ensure everyone has a place to call home.
I work closely with the guests of River House as a Case Manager. I have a particular affiliation with the guests because I too was homeless at one time. When new guests arrive, I understand their frustration, fear, loss, anxiety and sense of failure. Then I have the distinct privilege of sharing their joy, excitement, new sense of confidence and new found success when they return back into the local community. There is no greater sense of self satisfaction than that. I am so very fortunate to be able to give back to others what I received when I was homeless.
I enjoy and am proud to provide a service to our local community that becomes a great benefit to everyone, homeless and community alike. Those who were once homeless and living on the streets that only appeared to be or really were a detriment to society are given a new opportunity and learn that their own community does cares about them as they return to work, share their success, and contribute in a positive way. Local law enforcement benefits, local families living in the community benefit, local organizations benefit, businesses benefit, and on it goes in a domino-like effect.
River House provides compassionate, passionate care for men who have no place else to turn. For over 10 years, River House has welcomed homeless guests, providing a safe place to stay and a chance to climb out of homelessness. Kate B., the executive director, along with the staff, care deeply about each person who comes through the door. Assistance with education, health issues, job searches, housing, benefits, etc is available. The most revealing testament to the atmosphere at River House is the care the shelter guests have for one another. On a cold night this past winter, guests who had already been given beds for the night offered to give them up for late comers so they wouldn't be out in the cold for the night. River House provides a unique community of caring.
As part of the Case Management team at River House, I am grateful to be a part of a program that offers multiple services to the community. Here at River House, we assist individuals of all diverse backgrounds, i.e. Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Disabled Persons, and first-time Homelessness. Not only is River House an Emergency Shelter for Homeless men in the City of Beverly, but also a program that offers outreach services to individuals throughout North Shore Massachusetts.
Since I have worked at River House, I have seen numerous individuals obtain permanent housing, employment, and continue on with their education to pursue higher degrees. Some of the services that are offered at River House includes: advocacy, referrals to substance abuse programs, therapy, housing, mental health agencies, medical care, and referrals to state agencies.
We here at River House including the Staff, River House Board of Directors, Interns, Volunteers, and the Community are thankful for your generous donations and your assistance in helping end homelessness. If you happen to be in the Beverly area, feel free to stop by for a tour of River House.
River House is successful at helping men get back on their feet and get back into the community. For example, in January 2014 six shelter guests moved out of River House and into shared market-rate housing or long-term treatment program. Six guests found work in painting, carpentry and general labor. That's 20% of the residents in one month.
Above and beyond the successes of the men, River House exemplifies core values that my family and I hold dear. The staff and volunteers create an atmosphere of trust, compassionate and respect. This serves our community in so many multi-dimensional ways.
As a neighbor and board member for the past two years, I've witnessed firsthand River House's committment to its mission of helping individuals return to lives of self-sufficiency. When an individual enters the shelter they are offered much more than shelter, clothes, and food; they are offered the opportunity to secure employment, locate stable housing, complete their GED, address severe medical/psychiatric issues, and much, much more. River House's committment to addressing the underlying cause of a person's homelessness is what makes the shelter an indispensable regional resource. But...don't take my word for it! I strongly urge all interested parties to contact the shelter to schedule a tour of the facility. Seeing is believing.
Lance Daly
Beverly, Ma.
River House Board Member
I volunteered at this shelter and have had a very positive interaction by the men. I was welcomed by the staff and encouraged to come back again. Over all I felt like my time was well received and I left feeling better. I look forward to going back and continuing my role with RIver House.
River House is a great community asset for the whole North Shore. This is a place where homeless people can have a good chance to regain their independence. Their staff run a respectful, supportive, and accountable programming model. The men who stay there temporarily are grateful for the chance to both be out of the cold and on a path back to self sufficiency.
Having worked on the River House board for the past two years , I have seen first hand how much the staff does to help our guests return to a life of normalcy . River House is not just a shelter to get out of the cold and receive a hot meal but a place of hope where staff help guests find stable housing as well as provide numerous outreach services
As a City Councilor in Beverly, we are very fortunate to have the positive presence of River House in our community. They serve an important need and provide a critical safety net for our most vulnerable residents. Their supportive and comprehensive approach to the issue of homelessness is a benefit to the clients they serve and to the entire community.
The River House offers a place for men to rebuild a life that they have lost or never had. The shelter builds an amazing sense of community among residents, who support one another as much as the staff of the River House supports them. I am thankful for the wholistic approach to service that the River House takes, by offering individually tailored case management, and a dedication to "graduating" men from the River House to permanent housing and regular income. The River House is one of the North Shore's "Great Nonprofits" demonstrating leadership in their dedication to tailoring service to meet our communities' needs.
-Estelle Rand
Ward 2 City Councilor
Beverly, MA