In 1973, local churches in Worcester were being overwhelmed with requests for shelter from homeless women with children. The Urban Ministry Coalition created a Commission, chaired by Annette Rafferty, to study the problem. They gathered data from homeless women and local agencies, and by 1975 when nothing practical had been accomplished, Ms. Rafferty resigned and created the Abby Kelley Foster House. Today they provide emergency and long-term housing, as well as support services for homeless, battered and low-income women.