I’m pleased to share this update of our work in FY23. It has been a year filled with continued expansion, demonstrated resilience, and displays of appreciation. The organization’s growth over this past year is in part due to the increase in families experiencing homelessness. In so doing, our staff and the families they support continue to display remarkable resilience in these very challenging times.
We are now well into the process of implementing our Strategic Plan, and one area of focus has been to target high-risk populations. This year, immigrant families emerged as having the highest need for shelter. We expanded the emergency shelter capacity by 16%, increasing Hildebrand’s total units to 157. Fortunately, our plan coincided with the influx of immigrants. As a part of this expansion, we opened a new congregate living program in Cambridge. This was accomplished in a few short months, with the support of the City of Cambridge.
The lack of affordable housing impacts the demand for shelter. The unhoused are at higher risk for poor health, decreased social connection, and emotional unwellness, which impacts the quality of life in our communities in general. Massachusetts experienced a dramatic rise in the demand for emergency shelter due to migrants this year. Those who come to Hildebrand have always received support for their whole selves, even as the entire ecosystem of providers (city, state, public and private) are stressed. The Student Success Education Initiative for school-age children helped more children this year by expanding the program during the summer to include tutoring and academic support. In realization of Hildebrand’s vision that Every Family Has a Home, we expanded the number of Hildebrand’s Housing Specialists team to help families move out of shelter into permanent homes, and remain stably housed.
In these times of stressed systems, I am so appreciative of Hildebrand’s remarkable resilience. Our staff members are always focused on doing what is needed and necessary – and then go above and beyond to make sure that every child and parent is safe, healing, and moving forward with their lives. This resilience continues year after year, even as the organization continues to expand services. Hildebrand’s resilience comes from a team spirit that allows us to work together toward one goal of addressing the complex needs of families experiencing homelessness. This endless resilience of spirit and organizational culture fills me with appreciation – for Hildebrand’s staff, Board, and growing community of funders, donors, community partners, volunteers and in-kind collaborators who come together to make sure families without homes can get back on the pathway to housing and thriving.
We are all interconnected, and interdependent. Thank you for reading this Annual Report, and for your support of our work.
Shiela Y. Moore | CEO
Hildebrand’s vision: Every family has a home This seems so fundamental to a family’s wellbeing, to a child’s need for stability, yet we are seeing an unprecedented rise in homelessness in Massachusetts. For Hildebrand, this means an ever-evolving strategy to meet the needs of families where they are and help them to overcome the hurdles and obstacles they face. I recently visited some of Hildebrand’s emergency shelters and permanent housing properties and met several of the remarkable families who are working hard to rebuild their lives in safe, affordable homes of their own. I was struck by the connection between Hildebrand’s staff and families as they work together. I listened to a young mother from Nigeria, with a child with physical disabilities, as she shared her journey into homelessness. She then explained how Hildebrand changed their trajectory with shelter, supportive services for her daughter, assistance with immigration and language hurdles, and finding permanent housing. She and her daughter will soon be moving into their new, wheelchair-accessible apartment and building the economic stability needed to thrive. Hildebrand has changed the life of this mother and her child, with its diverse and compassionate staff, innovative programs, and network of resources and community contacts.
This past year has continued to show Hildebrand’s strength and capacity for strategic growth. The number of emergency shelter units increased again; summer experience and enrichment activities were expanded to serve more children in shelter; new partnerships were formed to give families the essentials they need in their homes; another 43 families moved out of shelter and into affordable permanent homes; and Hildebrand’s Strategic Plan’s goals and action items continue to be realized, as the Plan moves into its 2nd year.
As the number of families experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter continues to increase, Hildebrand’s resources and programs continue to expand and grow also. Working in partnership with the Commonwealth, community collaborators, and supporters such as you, the organization will continue to change the lives of some of the most vulnerable families in our community. Thank you for your connection to Hildebrand, and I look forward to continuing to share the impact of our work.
Kelly Blackburn Chair | Hildebrand Board of Directors
Kelly Blackburn, Chair
Kelly S. Mann, Vice Chair
Glenda Allsopp, Treasurer
Michelle Meiser, Clerk
Anthony D. Galluccio, Esq.
Sarah A. Holmes
Jessica Howe
Wendell Joseph
Clifford Long
Dariela Villon-Maga
Reverend Ellis Washington
Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center was born out of a desire for economic justice. Hildebrand is the legacy of the social action ministry of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge. It is because Blacks were denied the ability to worship in white churches that led to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal movement in the 19th century and the opening of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge 150 years ago which, in turn, founded Hildebrand. In 1986, Reverend Leroy Attles’ discovery of a homeless woman sitting on the steps of the church sparked its outreach and shelter through the Hildebrand Outreach Center. A partnership between St. Paul AME Church and the City of Cambridge supported the development of these building as shelters for families experiencing homelessness and two years later, Hildebrand was founded as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Hildebrand is named for Reverend Richard Allen Hildebrand, the regional bishop who authorized the rehabilitation of the former parsonage for use as its first shelter in 1988.
Hildebrand represents the lived experience of the disenfranchised and the fight for equality. Family homelessness is rooted in race and gender bias, wage inequality, unemployment, displacement, housing discrimination, and lack of affordable housing. Hildebrand remains committed, every day, to transitioning families out of homelessness to safe, affordable, permanent housing while working to disrupt systems that lead to poverty and homelessness. Hildebrand’s history is the foundation upon which we build brighter futures for families experiencing homelessness. We are committed—now more than ever—to continue working with, and on behalf of, vulnerable families in the fight for justice and equality.
Adults and children in families make up about 30% of the homeless population in the US.
On a single night in January 2023:
A n estimated 57,563 family households—or 186,084 people in families—were identified as homeless.
A pproximately 17,385 people in families were living on the street, in a car, or in another place not meant for human habitation.
(December 2023, National Alliance to End Homelessness)
Three states and the District of Columbia have rates far higher than the national average (District of Columbia: 95.0; New York: 35.9; Hawaii: 21.1; Massachusetts: 21.0).
2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, Pt. 1.
(National Alliance to End Homelessness: Family Homelessness in the United States: a State-by-State Snapshot; February 20, 2018 | Data and Graphics)
There is a shortage of 175,367 rental homes affordable and available to extremely low income households (ELI), whose incomes are at or below the poverty guideline or 30% of their area median income (AMI). Many of these households are severely cost burdened, spending more than half of their income on housing. Severely cost burdened poor households are more likely than other renters to sacrifice other necessities like healthy food and healthcare to pay the rent, and to experience unstable housing situations like evictions.
(National Low Income Housing Coalition)
The 2023 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts is $1,893, the second highest in the country, behind Hawaii. The FMR in Boston is $2,635/month. To afford this rent while still being able to pay other key expenses, i.e. to spend no more than 30% of income on housing, a household must earn at least $105,400/year or $50.67/hour. (Family Promise Metrowest)
During the 2020-2021 academic year, 19,954 students experienced homelessness in public schools across Massachusetts. 78% of the students identified as homeless during the 2019-2020 school year were doubled-up with others, while 11% stayed at shelters, 7% stayed at hotels or motels, and 4% stayed in unsheltered situations. (Family Promise Metrowest, “Understanding Family Homelessness”)
Hildebrand works relentlessly to support children and families experiencing homelessness, on their journey from shelter and supportive services to permanent housing and economic stability. Below is information about Hildebrand’s impact during FY23.
355 FAMILIES
1,085 INDIVIDUALS
50% CHILDREN
277 SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
43 FAMILIES PLACED IN PERMANENT HOUSING
90% FAMILIES STABLY HOUSED FOR 2 YEARS
Hildebrand changes the lives of children and their parents by working together to realize a shared vision: every family has a home. As more families face housing instability and homelessness, Hildebrand continues to grow to meet this need. In FY23, Hildebrand worked with 355 families through its emergency shelter, supportive programs and resources, permanent housing, and ongoing stabilization services. The result: 1,085 individuals – half of whom are children – are not facing homelessness and are now healing, stabilizing, and working toward self-sufficiency.
Hildebrand provides 157 families with emergency shelter in Boston and Cambridge, with congregate, co-shelter, and scattered site living. While in shelter, every family receives comprehensive supportive services including case management, education and employment resources, housing search and benefits application assistance, mental and physical health services, immigration support, and any other resources needed. Hildebrand also provides gifts, toys, clothing, personal items, and food resources to make sure that everyone is comfortable, safe, and healthy in their shelter situation.
Hildebrand has always been at the forefront of the movement to end family homelessness by helping families achieve stability and self-sufficiency so they can leave shelter and move back into permanent homes. Hildebrand currently owns 22 affordable apartments in Boston and Cambridge.
Once families transition into permanent housing, they continue to work with our Stabilization Services team for two years to ensure housing stability. During this time, the families and Case Managers develop plans to increase economic mobility and establish other personal and family goals. Maintaining these relationships has the desired outcome: after two years, 90% of the families in the Stabilization Services program stay securely housed.
FY23 was the first year of Hildebrand’s Strategic Plan, guided by a staff-driven Implementation Team (iTeam). The Strategic Plan will transform Hildebrand and its impact on families experiencing homelessness, while disrupting the systems that lead to poverty and homelessness. Goals were accomplished in each of the four Strategic Directions, and provided motivation for the Plan’s strategic movement forward!
1 2 3 4
Strategic Directions Goals
Develop or acquire real estate for more affordable housing and to support organizational growth
Bring about systems change to disrupt the cycle of homelessness
Build the capacity needed to grow the organization
1. Research possible models for the development of homes, services, and offices
2. Develop and/or acquire real estate
3. Build affordable housing
1. Build a public policy and advocacy agenda
2. Work to influence legislation
3. Change mindsets around causes and solutions to family homelessness
4. Create strong partnerships
1. Increase revenue
2. Create a specialty shelter (e.g. for mental health focus, substance use disorders, immigrant populations)
3. Hire subject matter experts in key areas (real estate, law, health, etc.)
4. Ensure we have the workforce capacity to meet the growing needs of Hildebrand
1. Create training programs based on client needs/feedback
Ensure access to resources for clients
2. Provide or connect clients to affordable transportation
3. Launch social entrepreneurship/Hildebrand business
4. Provide a financial stability and asset building program (including home ownership)
The children and their parents in Hildebrand’s programs are always our first priority, and staff work relentlessly to create safe, comfortable living environments and to celebrate family accomplishment and special occasions! In May, some of Hildebrand’s congregates celebrated Mother’s Day and in June, all of the congregates shared group meals to celebrate the dads for Father’s Day. Also, for each and every birthday, Hildebrand partners with the Birthday Wishes “Birthday-in-a-Box” program so that families have what they need to celebrate these important days! Hildebrand provides the name, age, and gender of the birthday child along with ages of siblings. Birthday Wishes sends the boxes to Hildebrand; each box comes with goody bags, party hats, table clothes and plates, wrapped gifts, and supplies to bake a birthday cake. Hildebrand staff drop the boxes off with the families who get to enjoy a fun, age-appropriate birthday celebration!
Hildebrand is now a Bombas Giving Partner! The first shipment of 1,000 socks was received in time for summer fun and enrichment activities, and all Hildebrand’s children and families will get socks regularly moving forward.
Bombas is a comfort-focused, basics apparel brand with a mission to help those in need. The company was originally founded in 2013 because socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. For every item purchased, a specially-designed item is donated to someone at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. To date, Bombas has donated over 100 million items.
Hildebrand hosted its first in-person “Holiday Market” in December so parents could come and select holiday gifts and warm winter clothing forx their children. For the December holidays, 142 families received gifts, clothing, toys, books, gift cards and other necessities to ensure the children and their parents had happy celebrations. Special thanks to our volunteers from volunteers from St. Paul AME Church and Loomis Sayles & Company who provided assistance with the shopping and also looking after some of the young children who came with their mothers.
Hildebrand opened another 12 units of emergency shelter in Cambridge, thanks to a partnership with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) (formerly the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development [DHCD]) and the City of Cambridge. Hildebrand’s new congregate shelter program is located at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge and provides emergency shelter for 12 families experiencing homelessness. Once in shelter, the children and their parents will receive comprehensive supportive programs and resources to help them stabilize and get ready to move into permanent homes.
Thirty-five years ago, Hildebrand started with only one shelter on the grounds of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, on Bishop Allen Drive. Years later, another congregate shelter opened on the church’s property on Columbia Street. The new congregate at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue represents the first time Hildebrand has opened a congregate program in the City of Cambridge beyond the grounds of St. Paul AME Church, since our founding. It is also our largest Cambridge congregate and will represent a significant step forward for Cambridge in supporting families experiencing homelessness and immigrant communities as well. Hildebrand now has 157 units of emergency shelter.
Hildebrand hosted a group of volunteers from MIT to help clean and organize at one of the Cambridge congregate shelters. The volunteers created attractive learning and play spaces, inside and outside, for the children in the congregates, and the results show what a wonderful job they did!
A third-grade class at the Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School in Cambridge raised money to support Hildebrand by making elastic bracelets which they sold at the school, their afterschool programs, and neighbors. As their teacher expressed to Hildebrand: “Your organization inspired my students to come together as a team in a way I haven’t seen in my ten years of teaching. I’m so grateful for the work you do in our community, but I hope you know that your influence extends beyond the families you support directly.”
John Alam and Sylvie Gregoire
Glenda Allsopp
Sam Bagnall
Kelly Blackburn
Wendell and Margo Bourne
Kathleen Carney
Joshua Chaitin-Pollak
Richard and Judy Cohen
Christopher Cook
Geoffrey Davis
Dorothy Derick
Kelly Dishner
Larry Ellenberg
Anthony Galluccio, Esq.
Jacqueline Gramer
Michael Hadley
Sarah Holmes
Jessica Howe
Wendell Joseph
Jane Kamensky
Lori Lander
Paul Lee
Clifford Long
Kelly Mann
Michelle Meiser
John Melaugh
Deborah Monosson
Shiela Y. Moore
Vivien Morris
Josie Patterson
Judith Perlman
Joshua Pinnolis
Michael Plourde
Alice Poltorick
Brian Pratt
Ellen Semonoff
Tom Sheehan
Mary Shetterly
David Smith
Christopher Stephenson
Anna K. Swan
Caitlin Thornbrugh
Dariela Villon Maga
Marcia Walsh
Reverend Ellis Washington
Joshua Weigner
Mary Rita Weschler
Cambridge Community Foundation
Give Lively Foundation
Cummings Foundation
Beacon Hill Nursey
Benjamin Banneker Charter School CHAPA
City of Cambridge Public Library
Cradles to Crayons
Dignity Matters
East End House
Follen Church
Greater Boston Spelman & Morehouse College Alumni
Harvard Memorial Church
HireNow
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
Mercy Worldwide
MIT Office of Government and Community Relations
St. James Church
Trinity Parish of Newton Centre United Way
Amazon Smiles
Atlantic Capital Partners
Bamboo Health
Benevity
Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation
Cambridge Trust Company
Citizens Energy Shelter Winter Assistance Program
iCorps Technologies
Loomis, Sayles & Company
ReNAgade Therapeutics
Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation
Town Fair Tire Foundation
City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing
City of Cambridge Homeworks
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities
In 2023, Hildebrand enrolled children in 10 different camps throughout the greater Cambridge and Boston area, and in summer learning programs at Cambridge and Boston Public Schools. Thirteen teenagers found summer jobs. Hildebrand provided summer activity bags full of toys, books, and art supplies to 95 children in shelter and younger children received 22 vouchers for day care programs. A highlight of the summer for everyone at Hildebrand! A high school sophomore, currently in shelter with her mother, is so good at basketball that she was invited to attend two different basketball showcase camps over the summer! She chose to attend the showcase camp in Kentucky, and has already received offers to play Division 1 basketball at four different schools. Needless to say, everyone is very excited at what the future promises for this wonderful teen.
American Civil Liberties Union
Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Birthday Wishes
Boston College
Boston Continuum of Care
Boston Health Care for the Homeless
Boston Housing Authority
Boston Medical Center
Boston Public Schools
Boston University
Budget Buddies
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Cambridge Community Learning Center
Cambridge Community Television
Cambridge Continuum of Care
Cambridge Health Alliance
Cambridge Housing Authority
Cambridge Multi-Service Center
Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition
Cambridge Public Schools
Central Square Business Improvement
District
CHAPA
Colgate University
Community Servings
Cradles to Crayons
Department of Children and Families
Dignity Matters
Everett Public Schools
FamilyAid/CHIME Mapping Project
Families First Parenting Program
Food For Free
Furnishing Hope
Harpoon/Mass Bay Brewing Company
Homes for Families
HomeStart
Horizons for Homeless children
Institute of Contemporary Art
Institute for Health and Recovery
Jewish Vocations Services
Led2Serve
Lesley University
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
Metro Housing Boston
MIT
The Mission Continues
The Parenting Journey
Project Hope
Project Place
Providers’ Council
Share Our Strength
Somerville Food Program
Suffolk University
Tufts Health Plan
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
YMCA of Greater Boston
Statements of Activities
Program
$7,531,246
Grants $404,228 $382,819
Contributions $104,039 $98,964
Investment Income $34,847 $(26,062) Other
Housing &
General &
$5,279 $25,195
$8,012,162
$907,507
Fundraising $176,879 $169,589
Statements of Financial Positions
