Background: The Common Ground Café was established in the fall of 2008 to fill the void in Haverhill’s inner-city Acre neighborhood when Somebody Cares New England, an outreach to the poor and homeless, transitioned to their new location at Currier Square in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Haverhill.
The Café, an outreach of Common Ground Ministries, a twenty-year old organization of twelve local churches from the Greater Haverhill and Southern New Hampshire areas, realized the need to provide a continuity of services to this neighborhood. Both the Common Ground Café, at 194 Winter Street, and the associated Thrift Store, are dedicated to providing for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the poor and indigent of all ages.
All of our staffing needs are met by volunteers. No one is paid either a salary or in kind. Also, during the school year, Northpoint College students from Bradford, MA provide assistance at the Café.
Mission Statement: To provide an oasis of tranquility in the inner-city Acre neighborhood by outreach services committed to alleviating hunger and homelessness, and as an advocate for the residents regardless of age, creed or racial background. We compassionately serve the homeless and elderly with the most basic needs: food, clothing, housewares, and personal care items, and provide a safe sanctuary while advocating for change and offering hope.
Outreach Activities:
Some of the outreach activities at the Café are:
- Coffee & snacks Monday through Friday afternoons, noon to 3:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast 7:00 am--9:00 am
- ESL classes one night per week 6:30 to 8:00 pm
- Monthly Food Pantry and Elderly Brown Bag Program
