Gloucester, MA, October 30, 2024
Action Inc., the Gloucester-based non-profit human service agency, is pleased to announce the completion of renovations to its building at 180 Main Street and the reopening of our main office to clients and residents.
Originally built as a Woolworth’s department store in 1936, this massive undertaking included a complete revitalization of the first-floor space to create No Wrong Door – a fully accessible, integrated service and resource center which houses Action Inc.’s Community Services, Housing Services and Fuel Assistance (HEAP/LIHEAP) programs. Action Inc. created a new welcoming reception area to greet community members seeking assistance. Additionally, the agency replaced its elevator, which provides access to the basement-level Riley Education & Training Center and second-floor administrative offices. A new energy efficient HVAC system was installed after the installation of new roofing. Waterproofing work to improve the basement Education & Training Center was completed on the Main Street side of the building and will be completed on the Pleasant Street side in November.
All visitors will now be welcomed by our Front Desk Specialists at the new easily accessible, street-level entrance. Through the agency’s centralized client intake and appointment scheduling system, clients will have streamlined access to all Action Inc. services. Action Inc. is implementing an online inquiry form to enable community members to more easily request assistance, along with automated appointment reminders via text or email.
“The decision to relocate and consolidate these departments is driven not only by agency growth, but more importantly, by our commitment to improving the client experience, streamlining operations, fostering a more collaborative and integrated approach to service delivery, and ensuring that services are accessible to all individuals,” states Erin George, Action Inc.’s Division Director of Program Services.
During construction, the Community Services and Housing Services programs relocated to temporary office space where they continued to meet with clients.
The biggest shift is the move of the HEAP (Fuel Assistance/LIHEAP) program from its longtime home at 47 Washington Street. “The building where we were previously located is not accessible to anyone with mobility challenges so this move will be a much-needed improvement,” says Jennifer Schmorrow, Director of Fuel Assistance. “Plus, we are excited to be working side by side with the Housing and Community Services teams to assist clients with accessing benefits.”
Allison Lex, Chief Operating Officer adds, “Action Inc. is eager to welcome the Cape Ann community into our new space and hopes these changes result in an improved experience for people who look to us for assistance. This project was a team effort, and we’d like to express our gratitude to our construction partners at Studio NDP and J Calnan & Associates. We would also like to thank the City of Gloucester and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for providing grant funds to support these renovations.”
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About Action Inc.
The mission of Action Inc. is to advance economic equity and foster a thriving community on Cape Ann and beyond. Our vision is to be an instrument of change, work collaboratively with partners to strengthen the community, and help people in our service area access the resources they need to achieve their goals.
Action Inc. offers programs that bring positive change to people’s lives, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, fuel assistance and energy efficiency programs, and job training and education. Visit actioninc.org to learn more.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Kristin Macek, Director of Marketing & Planning, 978-282-1000
