The Story of Lifebridge

For more than three decades, Lifebridge has been working to meet the most urgent needs of the homeless and under-housed on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

1978

2004

2016

2023

Meeting Urgent Needs for Over Three Decades

Lifebridge North Shore has been dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of the vulnerable unhoused population on the North Shore of Massachusetts for more than 30 years. Our journey began in 1978 when The Crombie Street Congregational Church committed to providing outreach to the homeless population. What started as a soup kitchen serving meals two evenings a week grew into a program providing regular meals seven days a week.

Expansion and New Beginnings

By 2004, the demand for services had outgrown the resources of the original site, and the church congregation had decreased. This prompted the Board to seek a new space, leading to the purchase of the former St. Mary’s Parish property in Salem. Renamed the Salem Mission, the new location opened in 2005. The church transitioned to a non-religious structure to better meet the community’s needs.

Regional Approach

In July 2016, Lifebridge merged with River House in Beverly and later acquired Grace Center in Gloucester in 2018. This regional approach enables the organization to share resources and provide targeted supportive services and case management for individuals in the community. With this expanded reach, Lifebridge North Shore now serves over 300 individuals daily across its locations.

The facilities in Salem (Seeds of Hope and Day Resource Center), Beverly (River House), Lynn (Deborah Smith Walsh Recuperative Care Center), and Gloucester (Grace Center) offer more than just meals and showers. The case management and supportive services are essential in helping guests meet their most urgent needs.

Lifebridge Today

Lifebridge is dedicated to supporting and providing resources to individuals who are facing homelessness. Regardless of where someone may be on the homelessness spectrum—whether they are unhoused, have unstable housing, or are newly housed—Lifebridge ensures they receive much-needed support and connects them with essential community service partners.

In September 2023, River House in Beverly was transformed into the first female-only shelter on the North Shore. It provides shelter, case management, supportive services, and specifically tailored meals for women in need. This initiative reflects our mission to offer comprehensive support that meets the diverse needs of our community members.

An Organization Overview from Lifebridge

Lifebridge North Shore is dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals in our communities by providing access to essential resources that promote safety and healthy physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional development. The organization believes in the fundamental worth and dignity of every human being and offers shelter, housing, meals, and drop-in services.

Core Services:

Shelter and Housing: Lifebridge operates multiple locations, providing emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing.
Community Meals: Serving over 7,600 meals per month across various sites for anyone who is hungry
Day Drop-In Resource Centers: Offering access to restrooms, warm meals, case management, and services
Behavioral Health Support: Providing intervention and support for behavioral health and substance use disorders.
Medical Respite Support: Offering care for individuals recovering from medical issues.
Community-Based Case Management Services: Connecting with unhoused individuals in the community to provide support and resources.
Support for Recently Housed: Comprehensive case management for recently housed individuals to prevent the cycle of homelessness.
Supportive Services: Includes showers, case management, and supportive counseling.

Our Community Outreach Program directly engages with unhoused individuals, provides critical support, and builds connections with essential resources. Through collaborations with the Salem Police Department and city officials, we aim to build trust and facilitate access to necessary services for those living on the streets.

Lifebridge has been working to enhance the accessibility of behavioral health services for our guests and strengthen partnerships with local behavioral health care systems.

The Thrift Shop in Salem and Bridgeworks Boutique in Peabody have a dual role in generating significant revenue for our organization and serving as essential outreach resources in our community. These facilities not only contribute to our financial sustainability but also serve as vital hubs for extending our outreach efforts and community engagement.