"Lazarus House has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, thanks to my parents," commented Christine Blain, daughter of Rick and Kathy Blain longtime supporters of the ministry. "From the very first Turkey Dinner Drives at St. Augustine's, to cooking meals at the shelter with my classmates, to volunteer projects through Central Catholic, Sharing Our Bounty Dinners, and more, the people at Lazarus House have always made it a blessing, never a chore, to be involved. The level of generosity and selflessness evident in the Lazarus House community is truly incredible, and the fact that, after 30 years, the organization is stronger than ever is a testament to that community - the one it serves and the ones who serve."

On May 16, 2013 more than 200 volunteers, staff and guests gathered together to celebrate 30 years of caring for people in need from the Merrimack Valley. Stories were shared of the past, friends reconnected and the evening ended with the upbeat message that the funds raised from the Campaign for Dignity have already impacted the future of Lazarus House and are providing the ability to do so much more . . .

"Who would have imagined that a small five bed shelter would become all that Lazarus House is today. Through the generosity of this community and beyond, the volume of donated goods moved from the shelter to our first thrift store. When guests joined us in the Soup Kitchen they began to talk with volunteers and soon we saw the need to offer an advocacy program," reflected Bridget Shaheen, Executive Director.

"Today Lazarus House is so much more than a shelter, operating a 20-unit transitional housing complex that includes comprehensive support services. There are three homes dedicated to families and individuals living with HIV. The Good Shepherd Center Soup Kitchen serves 250 meals daily and the food pantry provides groceries to an average of 760 families a week.There are three thrifts stores strategically placed in neighborhoods throughout the city. The Work Preparation programs offer English as a Second Language classes, Culinary Training and Spark*L.E. cleaning internships for job training, giving people the work experience to find a profession that allows the participants to support their families. What started as a place to offer refuge to a handful of homeless people has turned into an organization determined to eliminate the cycle of poverty!"

Sister Mary Ellen Broderick, Community Resource Advocate for 16 years, sums up what most people feel after connecting with Lazarus House in some way. "When I first started at Lazarus House in 1993 we were much smaller. We did not have all the 'ins and outs' of trying to build this ministry into all that it is today. But, there was, and still is, a heartbeat here and I am so grateful to have been able to touch that heartbeat and be part of this experience!"  

If you would like to be a part of the Lazarus House legacy visit our website and sign up to volunteer, donate financially, or bring clothes or food to our thrift store and food pantry. Thank you for your compassion and goodness and for your commitment to the ministries of Lazarus House for 30 years.