Moving into Hamilton Street! Over the last several months, Pine Street’s new residence on Hamilton Street in Dorchester has been abuzz with activity, as staff and volunteers put the finishing touches on this new home. The building provides a safe and stable home where 52 tenants are rebuilding lives of dignity and independence. Hamilton Street is for men and women who are 50+ years old, and is fully accessible. Staff provide support to the tenants and they form a new community.
Justine, a resident at Hamilton Street, enjoys her new home.
Individual and corporate group volunteers helped move in furniture and everything needed to make this house a home. No detail was too small – clocks were set, beds were made and cabinets were stacked with dishes. Tenants who have moved in have been delighted with their fresh, bright units and comfortable common spaces.
As Justine, a new tenant said, “This place is great! I have everything I need right here, and I’m getting to know the other tenants.”
Hamilton Street during its final phase of construction.
We are grateful to the corporate, foundation and individual donors and volunteers, and the Greater Bowdoin Geneva Neighborhood Association, whose support has been instrumental in making this house a reality. We will be hosting an event to celebrate the official opening of Hamilton Street this fall. Stay tuned for details!
Financial Literacy Training
Helps Rebuild Lives
Several years ago, Pine Street Inn piloted a program to teach basic financial literacy to job seekers experiencing homelessness, as they made their way toward self-sufficiency. It began with a single volunteer and one 20-minute workshop during a job training orientation. Today, that 20-minute workshop has grown into Make Your Change Count™, a program led by four volunteers that offers a series of 90-minute classes on professionalism, credit, budgeting, banking and goal-setting.
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Make Your Change Count™ continues to evolve. Former students teach current students. Lesson summaries and additional resources are sent to trainees after class. Interactive exercises illustrate important points, and volunteers offer one-on-one coaching for anyone who requests it. Volunteers Mario Alosco, Danny Hannafin, Ellen Pedro and Howard Perlstein (founder), lead this successful program. As one trainee said: “Now I better understand the power we have to make positive, impactful decisions.” For more information or to volunteer, email MakeYourChangeCount@gmail.com.
Shadawn, a trainee who completed the Make Your Change Count™ program, has subsequently taught the class.
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