PEABODY, MA — Two Peabody nonprofits, Citizens Inn, Inc. and Haven from Hunger, Inc., are merging into one organization to better help local families and individuals leave hunger and homelessness behind.
The merged organization will be known as Citizens Inn. The merger will go into effect this month.
Citizens Inn currently operates 34 emergency shelter units at Citizens Inn Between and Citizens Inn Transition, and 15 units of affordable housing and social service programs for families at Citizens Inn Homes.
Haven from Hunger currently runs a food pantry and community meals program at 71 Wallis Street.
Through the merger, Citizens Inn will continue its homelessness prevention and social service programs, while incorporating the hunger prevention programs and the 71 Wallis Street building into its operation. The hunger prevention programs will remain branded as Haven from Hunger.
“When Haven from Hunger’s board approached Citizens Inn with the opportunity to merge, we became very excited about the possibility of supporting an even greater population of families and individuals in need,” says Citizens Inn Executive Director Corey Jackson. “Citizens Inn believes strongly in the important services that Haven from Hunger provides to the community. Through the merger, we will ensure that these efforts evolve and expand for decades to come.”
Citizens Inn’s administrative team will apply its experience in finance, development, facility maintenance, and community outreach operations to the entire spectrum of post-merger programming. It will also bring expertise in nonprofit management and capital campaign planning, having completed several multi-million dollar projects such as renovations at Citizens Inn Between and Citizens Inn Transition. Citizens Inn has also purchased and rehabilitated many multi-family units in and around the Haven from Hunger neighborhood.
“Citizens Inn has fiscal stability, a good reputation in the community and extensive social service experience; all the things that are needed to continue the mission of the Haven,” said former Haven president, Robert McHugh. “We are pleased that the Haven will be a part of Citizens and continue to exist and serve the people in need in this area.”
This new union furthers Citizens Inn’s mission to break the patterns of instability and strengthens the long-term success of every family and individual served. It also aligns beautifully with Citizens Inn’s strategic plan, which includes goals to develop a workforce training program in the culinary arts, create space for a family resource center, and connect to an expanded supportive base of volunteers, donors, and community leaders.
“The merger of Haven from Hunger and Citizens Inn is good news for the City of Peabody and the entire region,” said Peabody Mayor, Edward A. Bettencourt. “Together, these two wonderful organizations will have an even greater impact on the lives of so many of our friends, neighbors and family members.”