Lifebridge’s “Together for Women” Event Raises Over $220,000 for Women Experiencing Homelessness

PRESS RELEASE – 5/7/2026

Photo: A collage made by a Lifebridge client as part of the “Together for Women” client art gallery.

Lifebridge North Shore hosted their annual fundraising event, “Together for Women: A Lifebridge Conversation,” at the Peabody Essex Museum yesterday. The sold out luncheon focused on the unique needs and traumas experienced by aging women who are homeless or housing insecure.

“For the first time ever in greater Boston, women are experiencing homelessness at higher rates than men, reversing decades of national trends,” said Brittany Molloy-Kenney, Lifebridge Vice President of Philanthropy. “By the time a woman comes to Lifebridge, she has already exhausted every other resource. She is not giving up; she is out of options.”

300 guests interacted with art and writing by Lifebridge’s current clients, saw a recreation of a shelter bed with privacy panels, and listened to clients and a panel of experts discuss this year’s theme, “Aging with Dignity.” The topic tackled the growing number of women over the age of 60 who are homeless or struggling to afford housing, often for the first time in their lives. The death of a spouse, medical bills, and the rising cost of living all contribute to this trend.

Salem City Councilor-at-Large Alice Merkl moderated panelists Helen Johnson, Mary Jane McGlennon, and Dr. Robert Slocum, who discussed the emerging accessibility needs of aging women, risk factors that lead to them becoming homeless, and how we can design shelters and support centers to be more accessible and trauma-informed.

The fund-a-need paddle raising event, hosted by Kim Carrigan, raised $220,000 to support programming, moving costs into permanent housing, family reunification costs, and more for vulnerable women. After the fund-a-need, Lifebridge Board Member Laura Tyrrell announced that Lifebridge has purchased a new building for their women-only shelter, River House, to better serve older women and people with disabilities.

“The average market rate for an apartment in Salem is $1,850 for a studio and $2,283 for a one bedroom,” Johnson, a Lifebridge case manager, shared during the panel. “Yet, the average income for an elderly or disabled person on social security is $900.” The waitlist for subsidized housing can take years, she added, highlighting that the interim period between knowing you need support and getting affordable housing is when older women are most at risk of homelessness. Lifebridge offers support, case management and shelter during these transitional moments.

Additionally, the higher rate of violence and trauma among women who are unhoused requires specific programming, services, and women-only environments to successfully support clients. “Creating a women-only environment is not a preference; it is essential,” says Jason Etheridge, Lifebridge president. “For women who have endured domestic violence, trafficking, sexual assault, substance use, and other forms of trauma, often at the hands of male perpetrators, healing cannot begin in mixed-gender settings. Safety, privacy, and emotional security are key to recovery.” Lifebridge’s River House is the only women’s shelter north of Boston. Since the transition to a women-only shelter, 75% of clients have transitioned to permanent housing.

“Even in the hardest moments, perseverance, strength, and ingenuity are still present for women in crisis,” said Molloy-Kenney. “They just need a safe place to land – and community to support them. That is what we provide at Lifebridge every single day. And that is what our guests at this event are doing by being here today: they are joining a community that is Together for Women.”

Lifebridge North Shore is a non-profit that supports homeless and vulnerable individuals on their path to recovery, stability, and hope. Lifebridge believes in the fundamental worth and dignity of every human being and is dedicated to providing access to essential resources. By offering shelter, housing, meals, and other supportive services, Lifebridge promotes safety and physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health in the community.