By Paul Leighton
BEVERLY — The need for River House keeps increasing, and so does the need for money to support it.
With demand reaching an all-time high at the homeless shelter, the organization will hold its fourth annual Open Your Heart for River House tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the Beverly National Bank.
The Valentine-themed event will include music by the Judith Murray Trio and food by Casual Catering. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
"We really depend on that kind of support to keep River House open to those that need our services," said Linda Anderson-Mercier, president of the River House board of directors.
A total of 229 different individuals spent time at River House in 2009, a 17 percent increase over last year and the most since the shelter went year-round in 2003, Anderson-Mercier said. So far this year, River House is sheltering an average of 35 people per night.
The staff at River House works with the homeless to get them the services they need, Anderson-Mercier said. Of the 229 who stayed there last year, 45 found work and were able to move on, she said.
For more information on River House or the Open Your Heart event, call John Archer at 978-922-4600.
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or by e-mail at pleighton@salemnews.com.
