NEWBURYPORT — A sea of local leaders and area residents wearing their finest green apparel filled the Masonic Center on Tuesday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while raising funds for local nonprofit Housing Support Inc.
HSI is focused on “providing shelter, housing, substance abuse and comprehensive support services to low-income, homeless, disabled, veterans and individuals in recovery,” according to its website.
The organization has multiple area residences, like the Bartlett House – a home for women who are sober and have domestic violence in their history – and the Quinn House, a residence for men recovering from alcoholism and/or drug addiction, both in Amesbury.
Tuesday’s event had HSI supporters gathering on Green Street to listen to Irish music, enjoy Irish food and watch an Irish step dancing performance, all while supporting a good cause.
Local leaders addressed the crowd during the event, from Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who performed a musical rendition of singer Raye’s hit, “Where Is My Husband!” changed to “Where Is My Audit!”
Reardon said it is important that the community rally around HSI so it can continue its good work.
“I think right now when you’ve got people who are looking to start their lives over somewhere, it’s nice to have these housing options for them. So, we’ve got to find ways to support them. I think housing is a huge issue for a lot of people across the region,” he said.
Rep. Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport, who was also in the house, said seeing HSI supporters and beneficiaries in the same room was impactful.
“To me, what’s remarkable about the event is that you have people here who rely on the service, people who provide the service, and the people who fund the service. So, it brings all of us together in this really warm, kind way,” she said.
Multiple notable area residents were honored during the luncheon, with former Mayor Mary Anne Clancy, who is retiring from the Institution for Savings, and Cynthia Costello, widow of Amesbury’s first mayor, Nicholas Costello, receiving citations from the city presented by Reardon.
As the event came to a close, Quinn House clinician Fred Davis was named Irishman of the Year, an announcement that was met with uproarious applause from the audience.
“Born and raised in Byfield, Fred Davis had dedicated his life to helping others find hope, healing and sobriety,” Reardon said. “For more than 48 years, Fred has worked tirelessly to support individuals on their recovery journeys, offering compassion, guidance and the wisdom that comes from lived experience. As a housing support clinician and mentor of the Quinn House, Fred has helped countless men rebuild their lives, providing not only professional support, but also friendship, encouragement and accountability.”