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Mission and History
The Mission Inspired by need and founded on faith in people helping each other, the Center has been a place that provides a welcoming community where people in need receive food, clothing, relief from isolation, and social service referrals and information. No one is turned away. An equally important function of the Center is to help people move beyond a condition of need, to help them to help themselves and each other. Volunteering is encouraged among all who want to play a bigger part in the cycle of giving and receiving that defines the Center.
A Little HistoryThe Amherst Survival Center was started in response to a growing phenomenon of homelessness and poverty in central Massachusetts. Increasing unemployment, cuts in welfare spending, and the closing of institutional state facilities with the subsequent transfer of residents into the community were major factors that contributed to this growing population. As they had historically, people in need turned to the local churches. The response was forthcoming, as had been in the past. But by 1975 the complexity and duration of the situation was apparent, and at a meeting at town hall the Survival Center was created in response to this need. Initially it consisted of a telephone and storage space in the basement of a house, thereafter moving to Jones Library. Five months later the Town of Amherst provided space in the brick school at North Amherst Center, where it exists today with a much-expanded program.
The picture (left) was taken in 2001 at the 25th anniversary celebration: a
fundraiser, reception and concert honoring founder Jane Holappa. The picture below shows the building in 1880 when it was a school.
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North Amherst, MA 01059-9629 413-549-3968 email: survivalcenter@verizon.net |
