"East Cambridge Savings Bank is pleased to lead CHAF's Annual Fundraising Campaign," said Arthur C. Spears, Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to help as many families and individuals as possible to obtain housing or remain in their homes." He noted that CHAF has helped more than 1,600 homeless and near homeless families and individuals since its inception in 1999.

"CHAF is a great organization. For many years, CHAF's good works have been performed by volunteers from local real estate agencies, banks, lawyers and many others. The Cambridge community and beyond has been very generous in the past and we hope that you will continue to be so in the future. We know these are trying times, but your donations do make a difference in the lives of many. We hope to see you at the annual event!" said Spears.

We're off to a great start! "I'm honor ed to annou nc e that Cambridge Savings Bank has kicked off this year's campaign with a donation of $20,000," said President and CEO, Robert M. Wilson. "CHAF is a great public/private partnership that is really making a difference. Since 1999, our combined efforts have prevented 1,500 families from becoming homeless and have saved taxpayers approximately $37 million in taxes!

"In addition to making a significant difference in the lives of local families in need, CHAF's prevention model translates into huge savings for all of us. Once homeless, it costs the Commonwealth's taxpayers approximately $37,000 to $45,000 annually to provide shelter and services per family."

Times are challenging and we need to be generous. Whether you're an individual donor or a corporate Supporter your funds truly matter. Please join the others who have already stepped to the plate: Cambridge Trust Company and East Cambridge Savings Bank which have each pledged $5,000 and Whole Foods with a $10,568 donation.

"Thank you for supporting CHAF, and I look forward to seeing you all at Home Sweet Home on October 22nd."

Long-time CHAF supporter Whole Foods Market once again made a generous donation to CHAF. Whole Foods donated 5% of net profits from sales at their Fresh Pond and River Street stores on Wednesday, March 9th.

"We want to thank all the customers who shopped at either Whole Foods Market Fresh Pond or River Street last Wednes-day, March 9 for our 5% Day to benefit the Cambridge Housing Association Fund (CHAF)," said Claire Davies and David Remillard From L to R: Claire Davies & David Remillard from Whole Foods, Susan Lapierre of Cambridge Savings Bank, Barbara Ford of Coldwell Banker, Jasmin Lucci of ePlace Homes, Andrea Kantaros of Danversbank, Andreas Kreutzer of Coldwell Banker, David Pap/CHAF Board Chair & Coldwell Banker and David Hariri of RE/MAX Destiny. of Whole Foods Marketing and Community Relations Depart-ment. "The outcome of that benefit day allows us to proudly donate the amount of $10,568.56. CHAF's mission to break the cycle of homelessness in our community is noble and Whole Foods shares in support-ing CHAF's mission."

"We are honored to be the recipient of a Whole Foods 5% day," said Barbara Ford, Coldwell Banker Realtor and CHAF Board Member.

"The amount donated is enough to help 8 homeless families to move from a shelter, or life on the street, to safe secure hous-ing; or to retain the home they
already have and avoid falling into homelessness in the first place. We thank Whole Foods for their con-tinued support since CHAF's founding in 1999."

Cambridge Trust is pleased to once again take the lead for CHAF's Home Sweet Home 2010 fundraising campaign. 

"The commitment and leadership of CHAF in helping to end homelessness has never been more relevant than in today's environment" said Joe Roller, president and CEO of Cambridge Trust. "Since its inception in 1999, CHAF has been an example of a partnership that works by bringing together the resources of businesses, individuals and community leaders to raise funding for local families in need.

"With the help of the Cambridge community and beyond,” said Roller, “our goal is to raise $150,000 which will assist more than 80 homeless or near homeless families in securing a place to live, said Roller." To kick off the fundraising effort, Cambridge Trust announced that it will donate $15,000 to this year’s campaign.

"East Cambridge Savings Bank is pleased to lead CHAF's Home Sweet Home Fundraising Campaign," said Arthur C. Spears, President and CEO.  "Our goal is to raise $150,000 which will help approximately 150 families and individuals to obtain housing or remain in their homes."  He noted that CHAF has helped many homeless and near homeless families and individuals since its inception in 1999.  "CHAF is a great organization.  Over the last ten years, CHAF's good works have been performed by volunteers from the local real estate agencies and community banks," said Spears.

Also joining Mr. Spears on the CHAF Planning Board from the Bank is Community Relations Officer, Janine M. Mahoney.  "Home Sweet Home 2008 was the first CHAF

event I attended.  I was impressed by the event and the many people there to help prevent homelessness.  The Cambridge community is very generous in its support to prevent homelessness and Mr. Spears and I are hoping new members of the community will join in supporting CHAF's mission," said Mahoney.

"Cambridge Savings Bank is proud to be the lead Supporter of CHAF's 10th anniversary fundraiser, "Home Sweet Home," said President and CEO Robert M. Wilson.

"Previously I served as Benefit Chair in 2004," said Wilson. "That year, we raised $125,000 and helped more than 125 families in the community. With a tough economy and rising food and fuel prices, we anticipate the need will be even greater this year. We're hoping to raise $200,000 in 2008, which will help more than 200 homeless and near homeless families and individuals secure places to live."

"CHAF brings together the Realtor community, banks and other business leaders concerned with reducing homelessness in Cambridge," Wilson added. "Collectively, we've raised over $1.2 million since CHAF's inception in 1999 and helped more than 1,500 people get a new start. It's gratifying to know that our donations can make the difference between someone living day by day in a shelter or worse, and having a safe roof over their heads and a place to call home."

"CHAF has historically relied on donations from the Realtor community, local banks such as Cambridge Trust and East Cambridge Savings in addition to Cambridge Savings, and numerous businesses and individuals," Wilson continued. "This year, we're eager to invite new members of the Cambridge community to join us in supporting CHAF's mission."

"The Home Sweet Home event should attract a new audience who may be unfamiliar with CHAF, as well as involving several members of the vibrant culinary community, many of whom are already dedicated to homelessness issues."

"The Cambridge community has always been incredibly generous to CHAF, supporting our mission to provide an economic bridge to housing for the homeless. Now more than ever, we hope to count on this generosity as so many in our area are feeling the stresses of a fragile economy."