New Hope, Inc. Opens Emergency Shelter – House of Hope
Apr 01, 2025 08:13AM ● By Chuck Tashjian
On February 27, 2025, Massachusetts State Senator Paul Feeney, Massachusetts State Rep. Jim Hawkins, donors, project staff, and honored guests gathered together to celebrate the completion of New Hope, Inc.’s brand new emergency shelter, House of Hope. House of Hope combines two of New Hope’s existing shelters into this state-of-the art facility, which will house up to 14 individuals and families, as well as pets. Each individual living area is fully furnished and offers a private bathroom, with climate control capabilities.
“Today, is a very, very special occasion for New Hope, for the shelter participants, for survivors across Massachusetts and our neighboring states, for the anti-violence movement, for the community, for our donors and supporters, for New Hope’s staff, and for the legacy we are all making today,” stated Diana Mancera, New Hope CEO.
“This new shelter is not just a building – it is a sanctuary of hope, a place where safety and new beginnings are possible for those who need it the most. Our mission has always been to be a safe haven for survivors,” added Zoryana Djula, Senior Director of Residential Services at New Hope.
Video messages were also shared from US Representative Jake Auchincloss and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The $7.5 million project to build House of Hope started in 2019 by New Hope’s then-CEO Marcia Szymanski, and the capital campaign continued through the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for House of Hope’s construction came from a federal community project grant secured by Congressman Jake Auchincloss; state funding through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, state budget, and American Rescue Plan Act funds; and private donations.
The highlight of the ceremony was hearing from one of New Hope’s current shelter participants, “Lee”: “New Hope has given me the most help I’ve ever received. I am grateful to the staff that show up every single day to put in the work to help all of us obtain our goals. With the help of New Hope, I know I am set up for success [for when I transition out of shelter].”
New Hope, Inc. is a sexual and domestic violence agency serving 41 communities in southeastern and south central Massachusetts. Its comprehensive services include a 24-hour hotline, 800-323-HOPE (4673); emergency shelter; counseling and community-based advocacy services; SAFEPLAN court advocacy; civilian police advocacy; supervised visitation services; RESPECT, an intimate partner abuse education and prevention program; and prevention education and outreach services. All survivor services are free and confidential and are available to everyone affected by sexual and domestic violence.
For more information about New Hope, visit www.new-hope.org.
