"I know that I am just a few mortgage payments from being homeless myself." Anonymous

Make a difference for the homeless! All year, despite increasing numbers of homeless, state and federal budget cuts have forced shelters to close, reduce the number of beds, and other services for the homeless. Did you know that you could give a gift that can make a difference? Join Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. and donate a portion of your income or profit. Reinvest in Cambridge, in the community where your clients come from and your friends live. All our expenses are donated –bookkeeping, printing, administration, even auditing, except for bank service fees and federal and state licenses. Every dollar is reinvested in the year it is donated to maximize its impact.

Founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation, we are part of a growing movement to improve the quality of life in our communities and protect the environment we live in.

We include: Maven Realty, A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge, Avid Management, First Estate Realty, Bookkeeping Plus More, Hickey, Beatrice and Parker, Minuteman Press, Lemelman & Lemelman, Sue Butler, Cambridge Trust Company, Boston Investments, and many individual citizens like you.

We know our hard-earned dollars are carefully used in programs proven to work. We've found we're directing dollars to something more socially beneficial, while projecting a positive, ethical and socially conscious image for our business. We are a collaborative of businesses and citizens committed to sharing a portion of our income to improve the quality of life in our community for all citizens. Our efforts are directed to help Cambridge be a more attractive place for people to live, work, and do business. We are part of a growing movement to improve the quality of life in our communities and to protect the environment we live in.

Our contributions have made a big difference. In the past year because of the severe cutbacks and economic stress, our contributions were used to keep basic programs open. In previous years our contributions have been used for many different things. Harvard Square Homeless Shelter used our contribution as the basis for beginning a capital campaign, which led to the successful opening of their shelter. At our annual forum that reviewed how our monies have been spent, we were given a tour of the wonderful new shelter. CASPAR, Inc. used our contribution to pay for transportation expenses so their clients could get to needed appointments. Food For Free Committee, Inc. used our contribution to get about 38, 000 pounds of nutrition rich foods to food pantries and feeding programs. Harvard Square Churches Meals Program used the contribution to hire homeless people giving them stipends and on-the-job training. Community Learning Center purchased some current software so homeless and transitional clients can get contemporary office skills, do cover letters and resumes and get jobs by using this software at the Community Learning Center and at Cambridge Community Cable Television [http://www.cctvcambridge.org/]. CASPAR, Inc. bought new mittens and hats for new clients and furniture for its new transitional home. Solutions at Work hired a career developer to oversee their transitional employment program. With your contributions, Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. can fund these programs and others and keep programs open which might have to close. Contact us at 617-547-1413, our web site where you can make secure donations through Network for Good, or send tax deductible contributions to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc., 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316.

Why people and businesses are currently participating:

"We know our hard earned dollars are carefully used in programs proven to work." A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge

"We want to make a direct impact on the quality of life in our community." Adrian Morehouse, writer, Harvard University

"We've found we're directing dollars to something socially beneficial, while projecting a positive, ethical and socially- conscious image for our business." Dave Lewis

"I know that I am just a few mortgage payments from being homeless myself." Anonymous

"Our employees like knowing they work for an organization that is responsive to community needs. Consequently they are more motivated and productive."

"We have been able to collaborate with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals."