Boston, Massachusetts, September 13, 2023 – A group of Massachusetts-based banks recently celebrated a campaign that raised awareness and $300,000 for nonprofit Heading Home, which works to end homelessness.

During last Friday’s Red Sox – Orioles game, bank representatives appeared on the Fenway Park baseball diamond to present an oversized check to Heading Home. The Boston-based nonprofit is one of the city’s leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing for extremely low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The campaign, “Heading4Home,” launched in April 2023 with eight banks participating at various levels all united for the same goal.

“We are excited and proud to see community banks in Massachusetts come together in the fight against homelessness,” said Northern Bank President & CEO Jim Mawn. “As community bankers, we represent a powerful force because of our collective commitment to the communities we serve. We are uniquely positioned to give back in a meaningful way. Thank you to all the banks for your participation – we cannot wait to do this again next year!”

Before the teams took to the field, the following statement was read aloud to thousands in the Fenway crowd: “On the field today, we have local bank leaders who have joined together to support Heading Home in its tireless efforts to end homelessness throughout Greater Boston. This joint $300,000 donation will support thousands of adults and children on their paths out of homelessness.”

Heading Home, established in 1974, last year supported more than 2,000 people and secured permanent housing for 150 families. This includes 1,128 children, whose average age is 8-years-old.

Participating banks included: Avidia Bank, Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, HarborOne Bank, Northern Bank, Salem Five Bank and Winchester Co-Operative Bank.

Planning is already underway for a larger “Heading4Home” campaign, which is set to launch in 2024.

Any bank that is interested in participating should contact Northern Bank’s Michelle Arnold at marnold@nbtc.com.

Photo Caption:

Back row (L-R): Northern Bank President & CEO Jim Mawn, Cambridge Savings Bank President & CEO Wayne Patenaude, Avidia Bank Executive Vice President Nick Karmelek.

Front row (L-R): Winchester Co-Operative Bank Vice President Katie Gatcomb, HarborOne Bank First Vice President Maureen Wilkinson, Heading Home CEO Danielle Ferrier, Heading Home Chief Development Officer Suzanne Picher, Heading Home Director of Major Gifts Joe Gravellese, Berkshire Bank Senior Vice President Maria Montgomery.

About Heading Home
Heading Home is one of Boston’s leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing for extremely low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Heading Home is committed to a housing-plus-services approach, setting clients on a pathway to self-sufficiency. A young mother leads 92% of Heading Home’s single-parent families, and 83% of clients identify as non-white and/or Hispanic/Latinx. For more information, visit: www.headinghomeinc.org.

About Northern Bank

Northern Bank is a full-service bank dedicated to providing practical, common sense financial solutions to help our customers’ lives and businesses grow. From deposit products to loans to payment and collections services, we work hands on with our entrepreneurial customers, both locally and across the country, to provide the financial support they need to realize their personal and business goals. Founded in 1960, Northern Bank has 13 locations serving communities throughout Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Northern Bank is a Member of the FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender.