Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House

The MISSION of the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH) is to provide integrated services to individuals and families to empower them to overcome challenges, reach their potential and achieve their goals. MFNH works to address the economic, social and political inequities that shape the lives and futures of the residents of Cambridge’s Port neighborhood.

Why is it important?

The facility, built in 1807, is a national Historic Landmark. Once the home of the noted feminist and journalist Sarah Margaret Fuller, it was reinvented in 1902 as a Settlement House, providing information and services to help immigrants assimilate into American culture. Today the house on Cherry Street provides critical resources and a broad range of programs each year for more than 14,000 people of all ages—from infants to elders.

There is a busy food pantry; after school and summer programs for children; outreach to young adults at risk; programs for seniors; community organizing; a drop-in technology center, free computer classes and more. Community-wide events and a broad variety of workshops are also hosted at the house.

How do they do it?

Through its four interconnected pillars of service, MFNH offers innovative programs that provide a holistic, wrap-around model that touches the lives of over 4,000 individuals each year in all stages of life. They work to address all of the needs of their constituents to break down barriers and lead them to a successful and sustainable path. These programs include: an Emergency Food Pantry which provides food to over 16,000 individuals and families a year, Adult Enrichment by providing a place for locals to connect and grow, Community Advancement Services providing outreach, community conversations and events, and Child & Teen Services providing a safe and nurturing educational environment.

How you can #TravelKindly:

• Choose the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House as your local charity next time you book your hotel with Kind Traveler.
• Take advantage of the opportunities offered four days a week to volunteer in the Food Pantry.
• Subscribe to the MFNH blog to see if there are any other volunteer opportunities available prior to your trip to Cambridge.