On Thursday, Nov. 3, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) donated $30,000 to Emmaus, Inc., a homeless shelter in Haverhill, MA. This annual donation is a continuation of the support MVCU has provided the non-profit since 1994. MVCU is Emmaus' longest running and largest corporate partner, contributing over $500,000 to the non-profit over nearly three decades.
Emmaus, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to families and individuals facing homelessness. The non-profit also offers supportive services including homelessness prevention, rehousing and stabilization, career services, parental support, and coordinated entry process to “ensure that families and individuals experiencing homelessness receive appropriate assistance for their immediate and long-term housing and service needs.”
“We are thrilled to continue to support the hard work of the Emmaus team and all that they do to help those in need. Emmaus plays a vital role in helping residents of the Merrimack Valley find both shelter and success, and our communities are truly uplifted by their services,” says MVCU President and CEO John Howard.
“MVCU’s unfaltering commitment and trust in Emmaus has encouraged other businesses to engage with us,” says Jeanine T. Murphy, CEO of Emmaus Inc. “When the credit union started giving to Emmaus, our organization operated five programs and owned three properties. Since then, we have grown into a significant community housing development organization. We own and manage 16 properties that encompass 99 affordable housing units; we run 15 shelter, housing, and service programs; and we steward an $8.8 Million Plus, we manage an operating budget that impacts the lives of roughly 2,000 adults and children annually.” Murphy has worked at Emmaus since 1987. She assumed her current role in 2001.
Photo caption: Glenn Prezzano, MVCU vice president of corporate communications and community liaison, Gretchen Arntz, Emmaus’ director of philanthropy, John Howard, MVCU president and CEO, and Yean-Ai Long, MVCU senior vice president of marketing.