The Woman’s Friend Society

The Woman’s Friend Society is a Salem nonprofit that provides affordable housing for women through Emmerton House, where single women who are working or in school can live for a period of five years at an affordable weekly rent. With the burden of high rent removed, the house offers residents a place where they can rebuild. Committees also carry out outreach work in the wider Salem community.

Founded in 1876, the society began with a Girls’ Reading Room on Essex Street, then opened an employment bureau for women, efforts considered progressive for the time. Housing soon became the priority. In 1879 Salem philanthropist Captain John Bertram offered half of an Elm Street house, and after his death his daughter, Jennie M. Emmerton, gave that half to the society in 1884. The house was named in her honor in 1950.

What to Know

• The society marks 150 years of operation in 2026.
• Members gather for a monthly social evening on the fourth Thursday of each month.
• Supporters can join as members, volunteer or donate.
• The second half of Emmerton House was obtained through fundraising.