Martin F. Connors

According to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, over 18,000 people across Massachusetts experienced some kind of homelessness in 2019. This number has more than doubled since 1990 and includes people of all ages, from babies to senior citizens.

A home does more than simply provide shelter. It offers a safe and secure space where families can create and grow. Homes are important because they give the people living in them a sense of identity and foster their physical, emotional and psychological health. A home can provide a stable foundation for individuals and families, as it often represents a sense of belonging and can serve as a constant amid life’s changes.

Housing is a basic need and efforts to keep people in their homes not only benefit the individuals, they also contribute to the overall well-being and stability of communities and societies as a whole. This knowledge inspires me to help others within North Central Massachusetts through the philanthropy of Rollstone Bank & Trust and my own personal volunteer work.

Here are five ways that secure housing for all benefits the greater good:

Builds community ties:Homeownership or long-term tenancy fosters a sense of community and connection. People who stay in their homes tend to build stronger social networks, which can be a source of support during difficult times. Rollstone Bank & Trust showed its commitment to strengthening the community by donating $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and its Critical Home Repair Program. Launched in 2015, this program provides necessary interior and exterior home repairs for low-income homeowners. By having a safe, functional place to live, residents can stay in their homes for a longer period of time and can continue to build lasting relationships with their fellow community members.

Promotes mental and physical health: Homelessness and housing instability are linked to numerous health issues, including diseases, mental health disorders and other chronic conditions. A stable and secure home provides residents of all ages with a sense of safety and well-being. As the resident stays in their home, their quality of life is improved.

Supports education: Children experiencing housing insecurity can often struggle with their education. When families are forced to move frequently, it disrupts their children’s education, making it harder for them to succeed. Providing stable housing enables them to attend school regularly, improving their academic performance.

Enables employment opportunities: Maintaining a stable address can help people find and keep a job. Losing one’s home can lead to job loss or hinder one’s ability to secure future employment due to a lack of a permanent address and transportation. With a steady home, residents’ chances to secure employment are increased.

Encourages economic productivity: Homelessness comes with significant social and economic costs. When people lose their homes, they may end up in shelters, which require funding for operations and maintenance. Because of this, preventing homelessness and housing instability can save the local community money in the long run. When people have secure housing, they are better positioned to participate in the workforce and further contribute to the economy through their spending and tax contributions.

Rollstone Bank is committed to helping organizations that are addressing the seriousness of housing insecurity. Another local organization is North Star Family Services in Leominster, an emergency shelter that assists families in a community living and group environment.

My wife Kit and I chaired a capital campaign for its Journey Home Project, an initiative to construct a 15-unit apartment house in Leominster for homeless families with children. A majority of the $8 million that was raised will be used for site work, as well as the construction of the building, parking, and a play area for the children. We are grateful to the private donors and community leaders who supported our efforts.

I am honored to help those in need and proud to support organizations like Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and North Star Family Services that allow residents to live comfortably, safely and with the knowledge that they have a place to call home.

Martin F. Connors Jr. is the President & CEO of Rollstone Bank & Trust.