Eastern Bank Foundation Recognizes Alisa Magnotta and Housing Assistance

Housing Assistance CEO Alisa Magnotta was recently honored by Eastern Bank Foundation as one of 12 recipients of the 2023 Community Advocacy Award. Magnotta and Housing Assistance were recognized for the organization’s role in creating more affordable housing for low- and mid-income workers on the Cape & Islands.

“Affordable housing is essential for full participation in our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods but is unfortunately out of reach or insecure for far too many people in our region as the housing crisis worsens,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President & CEO of Eastern Bank Foundation. “It’s more important than ever to spotlight work that is making a difference and to collaborate on solutions. We applaud Alisa, Housing Assistance Corporation and all our 2023 Community Advocacy Awards honorees for their innovative, barrier-breaking work ”

The honorees spent an afternoon at Eastern Bank headquarters exchanging ideas and solutions on persistent housing challenges, such as the high cost and the lack of housing.

A press release issued by Eastern Bank described Housing Assistance as “the leading Cape & Islands agency addressing the area’s protracted and escalating housing crisis. Steep home prices, scarce rentals and high second-home demand require innovative solutions to narrow the affordability gap for low- and moderate-income people, increase inventory, and engage residents in speaking up for housing. Some examples include a financial stability program for childcare and disability workers, and a mapping tool developed with local environmental leaders to pinpoint natural habitats and areas that can support multi-family housing. Serving 6,200 clients last year, the organization has 200+ new housing units in the pipeline and is initiating their first-ever endowment to ensure operation in perpetuity.”

Commenting on the award and conversation with her peers, Magnotta said, “The Cape is losing nearly 1,000 households annually that make under $100,000 In addition to assisting residents at risk of losing their housing or who have become homeless, we are also building community awareness and collaborative action to help stem the housing crisis. Recognition from the Eastern Bank Foundation and the opportunity to connect with fellow nonprofit housing leaders helps us continue our advocacy work and gain new insights on addressing common challenges across Massachusetts and beyond ”