Our Story
 The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH) is located in Area
IV, one of the most densely populated and diverse neighborhoods of
Cambridge. The organization was founded is 1902 and is the 11th
oldest settlement house in the United States. As a Settlement House
for over a century, it has provided critical information and
services to immigrants to successfully assimilate into the American
culture. The facility was built in 1807 and is a designated National
Historic Landmark. Margaret Fuller, a famed author, feminist,
transcendentalist, and social critic was born in the house.
Today the MFNH provides services to over 1,500 children,
youth, families and individuals each year.
Our
Mission is to help strengthen
and empower youth, families and community residents. We focus on
building relationships and connecting people with opportunities that
address basic human service and educational needs and help build a
strong community.
Accomplishments
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Exterior renovations of our 200 year
old National Historic Landmark facility have been completed.
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150 volunteers each year insure an array of
crucial programs and services to over 1,600 families, children, elders
and adults.
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Our Children's Program has moved to a
newly renovated space and has tripled in capacity and enrollment.
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Our Emergency Food Pantry distributes
holiday baskets that provide healthy food and holiday cheer to over
100 Area 4 residents annually.
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Our organization celebrates 105 years
of crucial services as it continues to address the critical needs of
the community and build its stature as a growing and vibrant 21st
century organization.
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New collaborative programs target expansion
of services to the most at-risk members of our community.
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We have undertaken a new partnership with
the Cambridge Health Alliance and the Cambridge YMCA, called Men's
Community Health Connections. This demonstration grant will
address the disparities of healthcare for men of color. Key
components of the project are navigated health care, and physical
activities that include YMCA training and a buddy system for Cambridge
men.
Our Constituents
Approximately 7,263 people live in the Area IV neighborhood of
Cambridge. Our neighborhood is racially and ethnically diverse. Living
in Area IV is a large population of traditionally underserved groups,
including immigrants, linguistic minorities, and people of low- and
moderate-incomes. Many residents are unemployed or in low-paying jobs in
declining industries
The
Margaret Fuller House has been recognized for over a century as a
catalyst for community activities and support. Our constituents face
multiple challenges: parents work hard to raise children on very limited
resources; they cannot afford needed day-care; many of our families
cannot provide the food needed to feed their families, the area has a
high percentage of children that are at risk for dropping out of school
and/or getting pregnant before the age of 18, and our young adults, who
wish to work and be productive citizens, have very few opportunities.
Additionally, the neighborhood is also facing creeping gentrification,
with sky-rocketed housing costs.
 Over 370 residents need emergency food each month. Single parent
families are the norm and few have the needed supports or parenting
skills. Many critical issues must be addressed. With increased housing
costs and creeping gentrification, there is also a need for a supportive
gathering place, where neighbors can meet, be comfortable and work
together to solve neighborhood concerns. The MFNH, in its long tradition
of helping immigrants and confronting community issues, continues to
help Area IV residents address these challenges, and provides essential
services that expand opportunities and build a stronger community.
Join Us
We encourage involvement and have over 25 weekly
volunteers. Large group work-days are always welcome and your financial
support is critical to our continued involvement in the community. You
can make an important difference at the MFNH and in the lives of over
1,500 residents of Area IV Cambridge’s poorest neighborhood.
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