Rust House
Rust House: Harriet Rust generously donated her home to Hingham Congregational Church in 1984 as part of her will. After many happy and productive years of the Rust family participating in the church’s activities, Harriet wished to leave her fine home in Hingham Square to the church to be used as the church desired. Over the intervening years, the home has served as housing for two major South Shore social service organizations.
For the first twenty years, we partnered with The Association of the South Shore to provide housing for several of their male clients for whom the proximity to their workplaces and access to local retail outlets was a plus. Many people from the church became friends with the residents through shared gardening and maintenance responsibilities, as well as holiday celebrations.
Currently there are five women from Father Bills/Mainspring in Quincy living in the house. Formerly homeless, these women have created a lovely home. Members of the church continue to provide maintenance as volunteers, working along with the women indoors and out to keep the house in good order as well as socializing.
Both The Association and Father Bills have received use of the property for a modest rent.