In the 1970s, Annette Rafferty answered an invitation from the Worcester Urban Ministry Commission to tackle homelessness in the Worcester community, specifically among women and children.
As chair of a task force, Rafferty proposed a solution: open a new shelter to serve those vulnerable populations. When the idea was voted down by the commission, Rafferty resigned from the task force and launched a grassroots effort to bring a shelter to the city.
Fifty years later, Abby’s House remains an important resource for women and children, providing shelter, support and community…