In 2003 a Leominster, Ma resident named Bonnie Hathaway saw the need for services in her community for homeless families. Bonnie approached her church (Pilgrim Congregational) with the solution of joining forces with Interfaith Hospitality Network/Family Promise. The Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, Inc. (MIHN) started out housing homeless families in local churches, but due to strict fire and building codes, had to seek a “static” housing site. During the early years, MIHN was located in convents and multi-family apartment houses.
In April of 2015, the MIHN Executive Director, Dr. Jon Hogue, attracted a private benefactor that purchased a large building/property in Leominster to be our permanent location for our agency and shelter operations. A six-month renovation ensued and our homeless guests entered in November 2015.
In October of 2019, the MIHN Board of Directors and agency leadership decided to formally change the name of the organization to North Star Family Services, Inc. At this point we are no longer affiliated with Family Promise.