2008 Homelessness Initiative

Homeless in winter. Bone-chilling, bitter, numbing cold—the harsh reality for many individuals and families. A bleak way for anyone to have to live; and while we cannot solve the national crisis of homelessness in one season, we can help alleviate the struggle of enduring life-threatening winter conditions.

The effort aims to provide warm clothes for kids, hot meals for families, a place to rest during the long, freezing days and nights. Additionally, counseling and referrals to long-term programs round out the spectrum of services provided by the organizations we support. For some of those served by these nonprofits, it’s the start of a new life. For others, it’s fair to say that the help they receive can mean the difference between life and death.

Grant Recipients

American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay
$30,000
To prevent families from becoming homeless by assisting with Food Stamp Program applications and providing emergency food, clothing and shelter following house fires.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
$25,000
To support the Life Essentials Fund, which provides homeless patients with necessary health-related items they cannot afford and that are not covered by insurance.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters
$25,000
To provide immediate emergency services for runaway, homeless and high-risk youth through its Basic Center Runaway and Transitional Day Drop-In programs.

Brookview House
$20,000
To provide emergency services for homeless mothers and children and teach them the skills needed to break the cycles of homelessness and poverty.

Casa Myrna Vazquez
$15,000
To support the Hope Programs, which address domestic violence and homelessness in women’s lives by providing immediate safety, ongoing stability and tools to build self-sufficiency.

Catholic Charities – Archdiocese of Boston
$25,000
To provide support for Basic Needs Emergency Services at St. Patrick’s Homeless Shelter to assist people with food, fuel, rent or utility needs.

Cradles to Crayons
$20,000
To contribute to the Gearing Up For Winter campaign, which provides homeless and disadvantaged children with warm clothes, coats, boots and other supplies.

Food for Free Committee
$10,000
To support Produce Rescue, which increases the amount of fresh produce distributed to Boston emergency shelters and food pantries during winter.

Greater Boston Food Bank
$50,000
To continue to distribute food and grocery products to member hunger-relief agencies throughout eastern Massachusetts.

HomeStart
$20,000
To support the Homeless Prevention Program, which uses HomeStart’s housing knowledge,
mediation techniques and flexible funds to help high-risk households retain their housing.

hopeFound
$20,000
To provide programs and services that help men and women achieve self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing.

Project Hope
$15,000
To support Housing First, a program that provides housing assistance, eviction prevention services and other support to prevent homelessness among low-income families in North Dorchester and Roxbury.

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
$30,000
To support the KIDZ Project, which meets the basic material needs of homeless children, giving them the chance to just be kids.

Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership
$10,000
To provide emergency funds for individuals and families to find and retain affordable housing, particularly in crisis situations.

Pine Street Inn
$50,000
To increase capacity in order to serve more homeless individuals during the winter by adding emergency shelter beds and additional staff time.

St. Francis House
$40,000
To support St. Francis House Core Services, which provide a social gathering place and offer food, clothing, email, voicemail and mailboxes.

The Salvation Army
$25,000
To support the Eva Booth Emergency Shelter, which serves women, 18 and over, with short-term emergency overnight accommodations, meals and snacks, shower and laundry, and referrals to
longer-term programs.

Travelers Aid Family Services
$20,000
To support the Emergency Services for Homeless and At-Risk Families Prevention and Stabilization program, which helps low-income families who are in danger of becoming homeless due to a temporary reversal of circumstances.

New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans
$25,000
To provide operating support for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, which offers shelter, food and other services.

Women’s Lunch Place
$25,000
To support the Daily Services Program, which provides meals, showers, laundry facilities, legal and advocacy resources, and access to free on-site medical care for homeless women and children.