Why we support Harborlight Homes: A Note from Ann and Dane Poeske

Ann and Dane Poeske, Newburyport, MA 

Both Ann and I grew up in working class neighborhoods in the Midwest. We saw the day-to-day struggles of families and friends trying to pay their bills and keep up with their rent, medical, grocery and repair bills. Life wasn’t easy for anyone and the hope of sending the kids to college to get ahead was only for a lucky few people who were excellent students, got big scholarships and a lot of financial aid.  We were both some of the lucky few people who got ahead with an education and received good jobs.  

Fast forward to 2025 and we see many of the same day-to-day struggles of essential worker families who are paying sky high rental rates for a limited number of apartments.  The State of Massachusetts recently estimated there is a 220,000 unit shortfall of housing in the Commonwealth with only 20,000 or less new living units being built each year.  Even with an education and good job, many people are paying 60% or more of their income just for a place to live.  This isn’t sustainable and organizations like Harborlight Homes are trying to make a difference .  Not just by building beautiful affordable homes quickly but by also including much needed services to help families, seniors and people with special needs so they can break free from their day-to-day struggles and make our Northshore communities stronger. 

We support Harborlight Homes in many different ways to make a Lasting Impact. Now!  We have chosen to take action rather than passively watching the news unfold every day.  We are donating our time, talent and savings with Harborlight Homes so that the people struggling in our local communities can have hope that the future will be better.  We are also inspired by so many others who quietly and without fanfare support local non-profits every year with both large and small gifts that really make a difference. 

Please join us by supporting Harborlight Homes.  We know the importance of giving back and paying it forward so the current and next generation of local residents can have a better life in the coming month, the coming year or in future years.  We can all make a Lasting Impact. Now!