CHAF The Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund

The torch has been passed from Cambridge Savings Bank to East Cambridge Savings Bank. Arthur C. Spears, President and C.E.O. of East Cambridge Savings Bank, and Susan Lapierre, Vice President of East Cambridge Savings Bank, have agreed to act as Co-Chairs for the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund’s 2005 Benefit Concert for the Homeless.

CHAF assists homeless and near homeless families and individuals with the startup costs of renting an apartment. Since its 1999 founding by the Cambridge Community of Realtors, CHAF's citywide coalition of businesses, institutions, individuals and community leaders has raised more than $725,000. This has assisted nearly 700 "at risk" households to make the transition from life in a shelter or on the street, to a safe, secure home of their own.

CHAF’s Annual Fundraiser is chaired on a rotating basis by community banks. Cambridge Savings Bank and Cambridge Trust have taken up the challenge successively.

“Susan and I are proud to represent East Cambridge Savings Bank as the 2005 CHAF Benefit Concert Co-Chairs,” said Spears. “CHAF’s opening of doors to 700 families who now have a place to call home is fantastic! CHAF is an example of a partnership that works. It is a tribute to what great things can happen when the public and private sectors come together to address the housing needs of our community.”

Susan Lapierre was equally enthusiastic and spoke of East Cambridge Savings Bank’s desire to see CHAF grow by associating other real estate related industries. “Having watched the growth of CHAF over its seven years” said Lapierre, “I am totally in awe of its tremendous success. Many individuals and companies have worked very hard to achieve this success. Going forward, we need to complement these efforts and elevate CHAF to the next level. We need to ensure the good work that CHAF provides will continue for future generations. The scope of our sponsors needs to be broadened to bring in other major industries, specifically industries that prosper by providing services to tenants. Everyone should have a place to call home and the responsibility to help provide this is a responsibility we should all share."

This year's goal is to raise $150,000 to open doors for 150 more households. CHAF will kick-off the year’s fundraising efforts with a Reception at the Charles Hotel on April 5th from 5:30 to 7:30. The reception is open to all. For more information about CHAF, call David Pap or Lois Brunet at 617-864-8566, or write to CHAF at PO Box 381332, Cambridge, MA 02238. Please RSVP about the reception at CHAF@CHAFund.org.