The Sunset of the Safety Net

Hey, that rhymed. Right?

Although we knew this day would come, it has arrived with great sadness. On January 26, 2024, Meryl's Safe Haven, Inc. opened our first set of doors and placed our first family; that family remained with us until May 2024.

The Safety Net program, created with dollars from the state through United Way of Massachusetts Bay to organizations across the Commonwealth was created to provide "pre-shelter" for five to 10 days to families as they finalized documentation and/or a EA placement was located. At a time when the system had reached never seen before capacity, MSH was excited to be asked to step into this space as service providers with the support of organizations like United Way of Central Massachusetts, Seven Hills, Catholic Charities, the office of Health and Human Services, and the people of Worcester.

It felt like, in the midst of planning, we were also running; it reminds me of the saying, "building the plane while flying it"because it felt just like that. Not only were we becoming service providers for the first time, we were building the organization all the way around. To say it was an honor to service the community in this way would be an understatement. For some, I know what you're saying to yourself, "you're thanking us for "allowing" you to work?" and the answer is "yes"! In a city where everyone knows someone who knows someone else, etc. etc. you trusted a new, not just organization, but people to care for members of this community. We were trusted with no track record, no data, and no starting dollars - what a risk. For that we are grateful.

Putting the tissue aside. At the end of last month; yeah, yesterday, we received community support to place our last families in permanent housing; at the end of this month, we will clean and clear ourselves from the space we have used for the Safety Net and continue the operations of our congregate shelter and Transitional Youth Empowerment program while looking into our next adventure. Our time as the providers of the Worcester Safety Net was well spent. In a year and four month's time, we provided shelter to 34 families with 20 going into EA placements, 12 exiting into permanent housing, one taking shelter with family, and one transferring to another Safety Net location. Through the ups and downs, we celebrated holidays, birthdays, and bittersweet days of move outs and transitions.

As we close this chapter, our hearts are heavy - but full. Though the Safety Net program has come to its end, the impact it leaves behind is undeniable. Every tear shed, every laugh shared, every moment spent building trust with families who needed a soft place to land was a gift. Meryl's Safe Haven, Inc. stepped into the unknown and emerged with stronger roots, deeper connections, and unwavering belief in the power of community.

To every partner, every supporter, every family who crossed our threshold - you have left your mark on us, and we carry that forward as we continue to grow and serve in new ways. Thank you for believing in us. As we turn the page, we do so with gratitude and hope, knowing that while this sun has set, a new dawn waits just beyond the horizon.

To Your Next Adventure