Representatives from North Shore Bank recently visited River House, an emergency-shelter for homeless individuals in greater Beverly, to present them with a $1,000 donation. The contribution was made as part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Grants for New England Partnership (GNP) program.

The GNP program was established by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to recognize the importance of partnerships between their member institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations in developing successful community investment initiatives. Under the GNP program, eligible institutions such as North Shore Bank, choose a nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 award and are asked to match that contribution.

Joanne Donovan, North Shore Bank’s Vice President, Residential Sales Manager, and Community Reinvestment Act Officer said of the program:

The bank is honored to be eligible for the GNP program that helps so many worthy non-profit organizations. Earlier this year we successfully offered the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Housing Our Workforce (HOW) program, which qualified us for their grant program.” She continued, “We’re grateful to be able to help those in our community who may be facing challenges in their everyday lives.

River House was formed in response to the chronic need for emergency-shelter services for homeless individuals in the greater Beverly and North Shore area. Lifebridge North Shore acquired River House in July, 2016 in an effort to address the issue of homelessness with a regional approach. By sharing resources, attention is given to where needed most, for supportive services and case management for the homeless in the community. Their Beverly location has 34 shelter beds and 5 units of supportive permanent housing for formerly homeless adults.

Kevin Nicholson, Director of Operations at River House said:

This contribution from North Shore Bank means so much to all of us here at River House. Without these types of donations it would be very hard to provide the programs and services we offer to those experiencing homelessness.

About River House
River House helps homeless individuals return to lives of self-sufficiency. They provide temporary shelter and the opportunity to work in partnership with the staff and community to find stable income, adequate health care, and a permanent home. For more information on River House, visit www.lifebridgenorthshore.org.