Community Friends
Key Moments Campaign to
Expand and Sustain Housing
MassMutual Makes a
Difference At our 50th anniversary event last fall, Pine Street Inn announced a campaign to raise $50 million to build,
maintain, support and sustain our housing for the long term. To date, over $39 million has already been raised from our community of extraordinarily generous supporters. Pine Street is increasingly focused on housing as the most effective solution to homelessness. Funds raised through the Key Moments Campaign will help create 200 new units of housing, bringing the total owned or operated by Pine Street to 1,000+ units; fund necessary repairs and improvements to existing housing; establish a source of permanent funding for supportive services; and expand successful pilot programs that move people out of shelter quickly.
We are very grateful to MassMutual, who, as part of a company service day, came in to paint the fences and picnic tables in the Men’s Inn outdoor space. An additional group of volunteers chopped produce for our guests’ dinner. We are grateful for all of their support, including as a leading partner of the Boston’s Way Home Fund.
To learn more about the Key Moments Campaign, and how you can participate, please contact Alicia Ianiere, alicia.ianiere@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9177.
Winter 2020
Thanks to a committed group of donors, Turkey Truck organizers provide Pine Street’s guests with vital proteins, critical to their good nutrition. This year’s Turkey Truck provided 100% of all protein served for the year — over 227,000 meals!
“The most rewarding part was seeing the impact of our work,” Ezra commented. “We could all see the baskets coming together and it was really satisfying. Delivering our baskets and meeting guests who were going to benefit was a powerful experience. It’s so rewarding to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
A group of doctors from our neighbor, Boston Medical Center, received a grant to train people to use Naloxone for opioid overdoses and demonstrated to our guests how it could save someone’s life. The BMC group talked to the guests about why this is important and answered their questions.
Gets Approval
No matter how extreme the weather, Pine Street’s staff of 17 daytime Outreach counselors walk the same streets as guests, braving the elements to ensure others’ well-being, particularly concerned about frostbite and hypothermia.
Outreach counselors go out on foot to reach vulnerable men and women
As Amanda Proctor, a clinical supervisor who has been doing this work for 13 years, explains, “People may be dealing with a host of issues, from mental illness to substance use disorder, and more. (Continued on page 2)
Robert “Bob” Walsh:
A Tribute
Pine Street Inn recently received approval from the Boston Planning &
Bob Walsh, his wife Karylann,
Development Agency (BPDA) for a major new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind in Boston to date. The 202-unit building will provide housing for 140 men and women moving out of homelessness, as well as 62 families whose units would be income-restricted and managed by The Community Builders.
“These units will allow us to make a significant impact on chronic homelessness in Boston,” said Pine Street President Lyndia Downie.
Why would anyone choose to stay on the street, especially during the harsh Boston winter? That’s a question Pine Street’s Outreach team seeks to answer every day. One could also ask why anyone would choose a job that means canvassing the streets in the bitter cold. It takes a certain kind of dedication to walk the 20,000 to 30,000 steps (roughly 1015 miles) that each team member walks daily.
Ezra, an Eagle Scout, designed his service project for men and women moving into new homes. He organized 15 Welcome Home Baskets full of essentials for move-in day. MassMutual employees pitch in at Pine Street
News from Pine Street Inn
Outreach: Connecting Day and Night
Welcome Basket Drive
Lifesaving Training
Pine Street Housing Development
Innsider
Special Service Project:
“We have come a long way, but we need to stay the course if we are to put homelessness behind us in Boston,” said Lyndia Downie, president and executive director. “We support close to 2,000 men and women each day, with a goal to move them off the street, out of shelter and into the stability of a home. With a 96% retention rate in our housing, we know that housing with support services works.” Boston’s Way Home Fund, launched by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in partnership with Pine Street to raise $10 million for new housing units, is a significant part of the Key Moments Campaign. To date, $8.2 million has been raised, including lead gifts from Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mass Mutual, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham Health/Partners HealthCare and Suffolk Cares.
Turkey Truck Provides Protein
Ezra (center) and his family after visiting Pine Street Inn
Innsider Published three times a year by the Development and External Affairs Department Architectural rendering of proposed Jamaica Plain housing
[5]
Staff from Boston Medical Center provided valuable training for our guests
Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 General Information: 617.892.9100 Donations: 617.892.9170 Volunteers: 617.892.9184 www.pinestreetinn.org
[6]
Bob and Karylann were honored and their children and grandchildren for 40 years of service a few years could always be seen in our shelters back, and we dedicated stainedglass windows in our Men’s Inn around the holidays, setting up the dining room in their honor. dining room to welcome guests. A few months ago, we were fortunate A true friend to the homeless men enough to talk to Bob about his and women of Boston and to Pine Street Inn for over 40 years, Bob was longtime connection to Pine Street. Below is an excerpt of that committed to bringing hope and conversation: respect to our guests, tenants and trainees. “Over the years, Pine Street has We are deeply saddened by the recent changed in that it’s gone from the ‘a hot and a cot’ (a meal and bed for the passing of this longtime trustee, night) to a much more sophisticated, volunteer, friend and community multiservice organization. leader.
A recent photo of Bob Walsh (second from right) with (left to right), Pine Street President Lyndia Downie and fellow founding board members Vin McCarthy and Msgr. Frank Kelley
At the same time, it has not lost its primary mission of helping the individual. It’s kept that. (Continued on page 2)
From the
Solving Homelessness By the Numbers
President
Dear Friends,
As we move through our 50th anniversary year, I am pleased to report good news in several areas.
well-being of every vulnerable man and woman, whether on the street, in shelter or in housing, helping them rebuild their lives and connect back with a caring community.
First, we have launched a comprehensive $50 million fundraising campaign to create, maintain and sustain housing far into the future. To date, we have raised over $39 million toward that goal. (See page 5.)
However, while tremendous progress has been made in solving homelessness for men and women, there is still much to be done.
Second, Pine Street has received approval for a new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind to date. And third, our street homelessness numbers (those who do not come inside) are under 3%. While we are proud of these accomplishments, we cannot take any of this progress for granted — we must keep the momentum going. Your generosity makes this possible.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for this annual breakfast. Home Remedy raises critical funds that help men and women move off the street, out of shelter, and back to a home and community.
Pine Street Inn uses data to determine trends and to measure our progress toward solving homelessness. Below are a few facts and figures, along with the impact on the men and women we support.
Please join us as we gather with over 600 of Boston’s business and civic leaders to learn more about how Pine Street is solving homelessness.
meals prepared each day in Pine Street’s kitchen by staff and iCater trainees
We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable men and women in our community, working to end homelessness — and better yet, to prevent it from happening in the first place.
“5 Fixer Upper”
Renovation Completed!
I am so very grateful to our community of supporters who make our work possible. YOU are the reason we are able to impact so many lives, and I cannot thank you enough. On behalf of everyone at Pine Street Inn — wishing you a happy, healthy, hopeful new year!
“Being part of the iCater training program has given me the skills and confidence to succeed.” George B., iCater Trainee
Warmly,
We continue to work closely with the City of Boston and other partner agencies on a cohesive plan to ensure the safety and (Outreach: Connecting Day and Night, continued from page 1)
“Many are afraid of the crowds in the shelter, or unable to follow shelter rules. They’d rather take their chances on the street.”
“Housing is the goal,” she adds. “It’s not glamorous work, but it’s important for people to know that they’re not invisible or forgotten.”
People often see Pine Street’s vans at night, but are not aware of the teams out on foot during the day, who search out vulnerable men and women and urge them to come inside to the warmth and safety of our shelters.
The Pine Street team coordinates closely with the City of Boston, other providers and police and emergency services. They meet weekly to discuss strategies for keeping men and women safe.
“We know many of the people who stay on the street,” Proctor says. “We come back day after day, build trust and gradually help them move onto the next steps — a number of people are able to move directly from the street into housing.”
As Michael Andrick, Pine Street’s director of outreach, proclaims, “We’re here to acknowledge the humanity in everyone. We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” If you see someone on the street who appears to be in distress, please call 911.
(Robert “Bob” Walsh: A Tribute, continued from page 1)
We and other places in this country have demonstrated that, with the appropriate level of services, people can go right from shelters — or not even shelters, right from the street — to permanent housing. And that’s what we try to do. Housing is successful because tenants receive support from staff. And most importantly, they now have a home. They have a key. I mean, seeing the person open that door to his or her apartment, that’s the biggest thing. Most of us can’t begin to understand that.” The homeless men and women of Boston have lost a great friend and advocate.
[2]
“Having a safe place to live means so much.” Roberta S., Pine Street Housing Tenant
As part of our 50th anniversary media partnership with WCVB-TV/Channel 5, their community-minded advertisers generously donated their products and services to renovate three kitchens and six bathrooms, as well as provide new furniture for the living room and dining room, at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence. We extend our gratitude to WCVB-TV/ Channel 5 and these partners!
• • • • • • •
veterans annually in housing and shelter
Norfolk Kitchen and Bath Bath Fitter KAM Appliances Capital Carpet and Flooring 1-800-GOT-JUNK Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture New England Home Shows
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received.” Anthony M., Tenant in Pine Street’s Veterans’ Housing
Boston’s street homelessness rate
“We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” Mike Andrick, Director of Outreach
[3]
Winter Walk Pine Street Inn is a proud partner of the 4th annual Winter Walk, a two-mile walk through the city, starting and ending in Copley Square, on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness about homelessness in our community while also raising funds for Pine Street and other partners working to end homelessness. To register and join #TeamPineStreet for Winter Walk, go to www.winterwalkboston.org. Please select “Pine Street Inn” when asked how you heard about the event.
Making the Holidays Bright! The holiday season can be a challenging time for our guests: they are experiencing homelessness at a time of year that is about home and family. Staff and volunteers do their best to create a sense of community for our guests, and the generosity and outpouring of support is awe-inspiring!
Under
3%
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7:15 a.m. Westin Copley Place
For information on sponsorships and tickets, contact Scottie Wait, scottie.wait@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9167.
Newly renovated kitchen at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence
Thanksgiving turkey carving with (left to right): City Councilors Annissa Essaibi-George and Ed Flynn, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Pine Street President Lyndia Downie, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara, and Police Commissioner William Gross
[4]
Key Moments Campaign to
Expand and Sustain Housing
Community Friends MassMutual Makes a
Difference At our 50th anniversary event last fall, Pine Street Inn announced a campaign to raise $50 million to build,
maintain, support and sustain our housing for the long term. To date, over $39 million has already been raised from our community of extraordinarily generous supporters. Pine Street is increasingly focused on housing as the most effective solution to homelessness. Funds raised through the Key Moments Campaign will help create 200 new units of housing, bringing the total owned or operated by Pine Street to 1,000+ units; fund necessary repairs and improvements to existing housing; establish a source of permanent funding for supportive services; and expand successful pilot programs that move people out of shelter quickly.
We are very grateful to MassMutual, who, as part of a company service day, came in to paint the fences and picnic tables in the Men’s Inn outdoor space. An additional group of volunteers chopped produce for our guests’ dinner. We are grateful for all of their support, including as a leading partner of the Boston’s Way Home Fund.
To learn more about the Key Moments Campaign, and how you can participate, please contact Alicia Ianiere, alicia.ianiere@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9177.
Pine Street Housing Development
Gets Approval
Winter 2020
Thanks to a committed group of donors, Turkey Truck organizers provide Pine Street’s guests with vital proteins, critical to their good nutrition. This year’s Turkey Truck provided 100% of all protein served for the year — over 227,000 meals!
Why would anyone choose to stay on the street, especially during the harsh Boston winter? That’s a question Pine Street’s Outreach team seeks to answer every day. One could also ask why anyone would choose a job that means canvassing the streets in the bitter cold. It takes a certain kind of dedication to walk the 20,000 to 30,000 steps (roughly 1015 miles) that each team member walks daily.
Welcome Basket Drive Ezra, an Eagle Scout, designed his service project for men and women moving into new homes. He organized 15 Welcome Home Baskets full of essentials for move-in day. MassMutual employees pitch in at Pine Street
Lifesaving Training
News from Pine Street Inn
Outreach: Connecting Day and Night
“The most rewarding part was seeing the impact of our work,” Ezra commented. “We could all see the baskets coming together and it was really satisfying. Delivering our baskets and meeting guests who were going to benefit was a powerful experience. It’s so rewarding to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
A group of doctors from our neighbor, Boston Medical Center, received a grant to train people to use Naloxone for opioid overdoses and demonstrated to our guests how it could save someone’s life. The BMC group talked to the guests about why this is important and answered their questions.
No matter how extreme the weather, Pine Street’s staff of 17 daytime Outreach counselors walk the same streets as guests, braving the elements to ensure others’ well-being, particularly concerned about frostbite and hypothermia.
Outreach counselors go out on foot to reach vulnerable men and women
As Amanda Proctor, a clinical supervisor who has been doing this work for 13 years, explains, “People may be dealing with a host of issues, from mental illness to substance use disorder, and more. (Continued on page 2)
Robert “Bob” Walsh:
A Tribute
Pine Street Inn recently received approval from the Boston Planning &
Bob Walsh, his wife Karylann,
Development Agency (BPDA) for a major new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind in Boston to date. The 202-unit building will provide housing for 140 men and women moving out of homelessness, as well as 62 families whose units would be income-restricted and managed by The Community Builders.
“These units will allow us to make a significant impact on chronic homelessness in Boston,” said Pine Street President Lyndia Downie.
Innsider
Special Service Project:
“We have come a long way, but we need to stay the course if we are to put homelessness behind us in Boston,” said Lyndia Downie, president and executive director. “We support close to 2,000 men and women each day, with a goal to move them off the street, out of shelter and into the stability of a home. With a 96% retention rate in our housing, we know that housing with support services works.” Boston’s Way Home Fund, launched by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in partnership with Pine Street to raise $10 million for new housing units, is a significant part of the Key Moments Campaign. To date, $8.2 million has been raised, including lead gifts from Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mass Mutual, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham Health/Partners HealthCare and Suffolk Cares.
Turkey Truck Provides Protein
Ezra (center) and his family after visiting Pine Street Inn
Innsider Published three times a year by the Development and External Affairs Department Architectural rendering of proposed Jamaica Plain housing
Staff from Boston Medical Center provided valuable training for our guests
Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 General Information: 617.892.9100 Donations: 617.892.9170 Volunteers: 617.892.9184 www.pinestreetinn.org
[6]
Bob and Karylann were honored and their children and grandchildren for 40 years of service a few years could always be seen in our shelters back, and we dedicated stainedglass windows in our Men’s Inn around the holidays, setting up the dining room in their honor. dining room to welcome guests. A few months ago, we were fortunate A true friend to the homeless men enough to talk to Bob about his and women of Boston and to Pine Street Inn for over 40 years, Bob was longtime connection to Pine Street. Below is an excerpt of that committed to bringing hope and conversation: respect to our guests, tenants and trainees. “Over the years, Pine Street has We are deeply saddened by the recent changed in that it’s gone from the ‘a hot and a cot’ (a meal and bed for the passing of this longtime trustee, night) to a much more sophisticated, volunteer, friend and community multiservice organization. leader.
A recent photo of Bob Walsh (second from right) with (left to right), Pine Street President Lyndia Downie and fellow founding board members Vin McCarthy and Msgr. Frank Kelley
At the same time, it has not lost its primary mission of helping the individual. It’s kept that. (Continued on page 2)
From the
Solving Homelessness By the Numbers
President
Dear Friends,
As we move through our 50th anniversary year, I am pleased to report good news in several areas.
well-being of every vulnerable man and woman, whether on the street, in shelter or in housing, helping them rebuild their lives and connect back with a caring community.
First, we have launched a comprehensive $50 million fundraising campaign to create, maintain and sustain housing far into the future. To date, we have raised over $39 million toward that goal. (See page 5.)
However, while tremendous progress has been made in solving homelessness for men and women, there is still much to be done.
Second, Pine Street has received approval for a new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind to date. And third, our street homelessness numbers (those who do not come inside) are under 3%. While we are proud of these accomplishments, we cannot take any of this progress for granted — we must keep the momentum going. Your generosity makes this possible.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for this annual breakfast. Home Remedy raises critical funds that help men and women move off the street, out of shelter, and back to a home and community.
Pine Street Inn uses data to determine trends and to measure our progress toward solving homelessness. Below are a few facts and figures, along with the impact on the men and women we support.
Please join us as we gather with over 600 of Boston’s business and civic leaders to learn more about how Pine Street is solving homelessness.
meals prepared each day in Pine Street’s kitchen by staff and iCater trainees
We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable men and women in our community, working to end homelessness — and better yet, to prevent it from happening in the first place.
“5 Fixer Upper”
Renovation Completed!
I am so very grateful to our community of supporters who make our work possible. YOU are the reason we are able to impact so many lives, and I cannot thank you enough. On behalf of everyone at Pine Street Inn — wishing you a happy, healthy, hopeful new year!
“Being part of the iCater training program has given me the skills and confidence to succeed.” George B., iCater Trainee
Warmly,
We continue to work closely with the City of Boston and other partner agencies on a cohesive plan to ensure the safety and (Outreach: Connecting Day and Night, continued from page 1)
“Many are afraid of the crowds in the shelter, or unable to follow shelter rules. They’d rather take their chances on the street.”
“Housing is the goal,” she adds. “It’s not glamorous work, but it’s important for people to know that they’re not invisible or forgotten.”
People often see Pine Street’s vans at night, but are not aware of the teams out on foot during the day, who search out vulnerable men and women and urge them to come inside to the warmth and safety of our shelters.
The Pine Street team coordinates closely with the City of Boston, other providers and police and emergency services. They meet weekly to discuss strategies for keeping men and women safe.
“We know many of the people who stay on the street,” Proctor says. “We come back day after day, build trust and gradually help them move onto the next steps — a number of people are able to move directly from the street into housing.”
As Michael Andrick, Pine Street’s director of outreach, proclaims, “We’re here to acknowledge the humanity in everyone. We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” If you see someone on the street who appears to be in distress, please call 911.
(Robert “Bob” Walsh: A Tribute, continued from page 1)
We and other places in this country have demonstrated that, with the appropriate level of services, people can go right from shelters — or not even shelters, right from the street — to permanent housing. And that’s what we try to do. Housing is successful because tenants receive support from staff. And most importantly, they now have a home. They have a key. I mean, seeing the person open that door to his or her apartment, that’s the biggest thing. Most of us can’t begin to understand that.” The homeless men and women of Boston have lost a great friend and advocate.
[2]
“Having a safe place to live means so much.” Roberta S., Pine Street Housing Tenant
As part of our 50th anniversary media partnership with WCVB-TV/Channel 5, their community-minded advertisers generously donated their products and services to renovate three kitchens and six bathrooms, as well as provide new furniture for the living room and dining room, at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence. We extend our gratitude to WCVB-TV/ Channel 5 and these partners!
• • • • • • •
veterans annually in housing and shelter
Norfolk Kitchen and Bath Bath Fitter KAM Appliances Capital Carpet and Flooring 1-800-GOT-JUNK Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture New England Home Shows
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received.” Anthony M., Tenant in Pine Street’s Veterans’ Housing
Boston’s street homelessness rate
“We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” Mike Andrick, Director of Outreach
[3]
Winter Walk Pine Street Inn is a proud partner of the 4th annual Winter Walk, a two-mile walk through the city, starting and ending in Copley Square, on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness about homelessness in our community while also raising funds for Pine Street and other partners working to end homelessness. To register and join #TeamPineStreet for Winter Walk, go to www.winterwalkboston.org. Please select “Pine Street Inn” when asked how you heard about the event.
Making the Holidays Bright! The holiday season can be a challenging time for our guests: they are experiencing homelessness at a time of year that is about home and family. Staff and volunteers do their best to create a sense of community for our guests, and the generosity and outpouring of support is awe-inspiring!
Under
3%
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7:15 a.m. Westin Copley Place
For information on sponsorships and tickets, contact Scottie Wait, scottie.wait@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9167.
Newly renovated kitchen at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence
Thanksgiving turkey carving with (left to right): City Councilors Annissa Essaibi-George and Ed Flynn, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Pine Street President Lyndia Downie, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara, and Police Commissioner William Gross
[4]
From the
Solving Homelessness By the Numbers
President
Dear Friends,
As we move through our 50th anniversary year, I am pleased to report good news in several areas.
well-being of every vulnerable man and woman, whether on the street, in shelter or in housing, helping them rebuild their lives and connect back with a caring community.
First, we have launched a comprehensive $50 million fundraising campaign to create, maintain and sustain housing far into the future. To date, we have raised over $39 million toward that goal. (See page 5.)
However, while tremendous progress has been made in solving homelessness for men and women, there is still much to be done.
Second, Pine Street has received approval for a new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind to date. And third, our street homelessness numbers (those who do not come inside) are under 3%. While we are proud of these accomplishments, we cannot take any of this progress for granted — we must keep the momentum going. Your generosity makes this possible.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for this annual breakfast. Home Remedy raises critical funds that help men and women move off the street, out of shelter, and back to a home and community.
Pine Street Inn uses data to determine trends and to measure our progress toward solving homelessness. Below are a few facts and figures, along with the impact on the men and women we support.
Please join us as we gather with over 600 of Boston’s business and civic leaders to learn more about how Pine Street is solving homelessness.
meals prepared each day in Pine Street’s kitchen by staff and iCater trainees
We will continue to advocate for the most vulnerable men and women in our community, working to end homelessness — and better yet, to prevent it from happening in the first place.
“5 Fixer Upper”
Renovation Completed!
I am so very grateful to our community of supporters who make our work possible. YOU are the reason we are able to impact so many lives, and I cannot thank you enough. On behalf of everyone at Pine Street Inn — wishing you a happy, healthy, hopeful new year!
“Being part of the iCater training program has given me the skills and confidence to succeed.” George B., iCater Trainee
Warmly,
We continue to work closely with the City of Boston and other partner agencies on a cohesive plan to ensure the safety and (Outreach: Connecting Day and Night, continued from page 1)
“Many are afraid of the crowds in the shelter, or unable to follow shelter rules. They’d rather take their chances on the street.”
“Housing is the goal,” she adds. “It’s not glamorous work, but it’s important for people to know that they’re not invisible or forgotten.”
People often see Pine Street’s vans at night, but are not aware of the teams out on foot during the day, who search out vulnerable men and women and urge them to come inside to the warmth and safety of our shelters.
The Pine Street team coordinates closely with the City of Boston, other providers and police and emergency services. They meet weekly to discuss strategies for keeping men and women safe.
“We know many of the people who stay on the street,” Proctor says. “We come back day after day, build trust and gradually help them move onto the next steps — a number of people are able to move directly from the street into housing.”
As Michael Andrick, Pine Street’s director of outreach, proclaims, “We’re here to acknowledge the humanity in everyone. We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” If you see someone on the street who appears to be in distress, please call 911.
(Robert “Bob” Walsh: A Tribute, continued from page 1)
We and other places in this country have demonstrated that, with the appropriate level of services, people can go right from shelters — or not even shelters, right from the street — to permanent housing. And that’s what we try to do. Housing is successful because tenants receive support from staff. And most importantly, they now have a home. They have a key. I mean, seeing the person open that door to his or her apartment, that’s the biggest thing. Most of us can’t begin to understand that.” The homeless men and women of Boston have lost a great friend and advocate.
[2]
“Having a safe place to live means so much.” Roberta S., Pine Street Housing Tenant
As part of our 50th anniversary media partnership with WCVB-TV/Channel 5, their community-minded advertisers generously donated their products and services to renovate three kitchens and six bathrooms, as well as provide new furniture for the living room and dining room, at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence. We extend our gratitude to WCVB-TV/ Channel 5 and these partners!
• • • • • • •
veterans annually in housing and shelter
Norfolk Kitchen and Bath Bath Fitter KAM Appliances Capital Carpet and Flooring 1-800-GOT-JUNK Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture New England Home Shows
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received.” Anthony M., Tenant in Pine Street’s Veterans’ Housing
Boston’s street homelessness rate
“We never, ever, ever give up on anyone.” Mike Andrick, Director of Outreach
[3]
Winter Walk Pine Street Inn is a proud partner of the 4th annual Winter Walk, a two-mile walk through the city, starting and ending in Copley Square, on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness about homelessness in our community while also raising funds for Pine Street and other partners working to end homelessness. To register and join #TeamPineStreet for Winter Walk, go to www.winterwalkboston.org. Please select “Pine Street Inn” when asked how you heard about the event.
Making the Holidays Bright! The holiday season can be a challenging time for our guests: they are experiencing homelessness at a time of year that is about home and family. Staff and volunteers do their best to create a sense of community for our guests, and the generosity and outpouring of support is awe-inspiring!
Under
3%
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7:15 a.m. Westin Copley Place
For information on sponsorships and tickets, contact Scottie Wait, scottie.wait@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9167.
Newly renovated kitchen at Pine Street’s Park Drive residence
Thanksgiving turkey carving with (left to right): City Councilors Annissa Essaibi-George and Ed Flynn, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Pine Street President Lyndia Downie, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara, and Police Commissioner William Gross
Community Friends
Key Moments Campaign to
Expand and Sustain Housing
MassMutual Makes a
Difference At our 50th anniversary event last fall, Pine Street Inn announced a campaign to raise $50 million to build,
maintain, support and sustain our housing for the long term. To date, over $39 million has already been raised from our community of extraordinarily generous supporters. Pine Street is increasingly focused on housing as the most effective solution to homelessness. Funds raised through the Key Moments Campaign will help create 200 new units of housing, bringing the total owned or operated by Pine Street to 1,000+ units; fund necessary repairs and improvements to existing housing; establish a source of permanent funding for supportive services; and expand successful pilot programs that move people out of shelter quickly.
We are very grateful to MassMutual, who, as part of a company service day, came in to paint the fences and picnic tables in the Men’s Inn outdoor space. An additional group of volunteers chopped produce for our guests’ dinner. We are grateful for all of their support, including as a leading partner of the Boston’s Way Home Fund.
To learn more about the Key Moments Campaign, and how you can participate, please contact Alicia Ianiere, alicia.ianiere@pinestreetinn.org, 617.892.9177.
Winter 2020
Thanks to a committed group of donors, Turkey Truck organizers provide Pine Street’s guests with vital proteins, critical to their good nutrition. This year’s Turkey Truck provided 100% of all protein served for the year — over 227,000 meals!
“The most rewarding part was seeing the impact of our work,” Ezra commented. “We could all see the baskets coming together and it was really satisfying. Delivering our baskets and meeting guests who were going to benefit was a powerful experience. It’s so rewarding to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”
A group of doctors from our neighbor, Boston Medical Center, received a grant to train people to use Naloxone for opioid overdoses and demonstrated to our guests how it could save someone’s life. The BMC group talked to the guests about why this is important and answered their questions.
Gets Approval
No matter how extreme the weather, Pine Street’s staff of 17 daytime Outreach counselors walk the same streets as guests, braving the elements to ensure others’ well-being, particularly concerned about frostbite and hypothermia.
Outreach counselors go out on foot to reach vulnerable men and women
As Amanda Proctor, a clinical supervisor who has been doing this work for 13 years, explains, “People may be dealing with a host of issues, from mental illness to substance use disorder, and more. (Continued on page 2)
Robert “Bob” Walsh:
A Tribute
Pine Street Inn recently received approval from the Boston Planning &
Bob Walsh, his wife Karylann,
Development Agency (BPDA) for a major new housing development in Jamaica Plain, the largest of its kind in Boston to date. The 202-unit building will provide housing for 140 men and women moving out of homelessness, as well as 62 families whose units would be income-restricted and managed by The Community Builders.
“These units will allow us to make a significant impact on chronic homelessness in Boston,” said Pine Street President Lyndia Downie.
Why would anyone choose to stay on the street, especially during the harsh Boston winter? That’s a question Pine Street’s Outreach team seeks to answer every day. One could also ask why anyone would choose a job that means canvassing the streets in the bitter cold. It takes a certain kind of dedication to walk the 20,000 to 30,000 steps (roughly 1015 miles) that each team member walks daily.
Ezra, an Eagle Scout, designed his service project for men and women moving into new homes. He organized 15 Welcome Home Baskets full of essentials for move-in day. MassMutual employees pitch in at Pine Street
News from Pine Street Inn
Outreach: Connecting Day and Night
Welcome Basket Drive
Lifesaving Training
Pine Street Housing Development
Innsider
Special Service Project:
“We have come a long way, but we need to stay the course if we are to put homelessness behind us in Boston,” said Lyndia Downie, president and executive director. “We support close to 2,000 men and women each day, with a goal to move them off the street, out of shelter and into the stability of a home. With a 96% retention rate in our housing, we know that housing with support services works.” Boston’s Way Home Fund, launched by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in partnership with Pine Street to raise $10 million for new housing units, is a significant part of the Key Moments Campaign. To date, $8.2 million has been raised, including lead gifts from Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mass Mutual, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham Health/Partners HealthCare and Suffolk Cares.
Turkey Truck Provides Protein
Ezra (center) and his family after visiting Pine Street Inn
Innsider Published three times a year by the Development and External Affairs Department Architectural rendering of proposed Jamaica Plain housing
[5]
Staff from Boston Medical Center provided valuable training for our guests
Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 General Information: 617.892.9100 Donations: 617.892.9170 Volunteers: 617.892.9184 www.pinestreetinn.org
[6]
Bob and Karylann were honored and their children and grandchildren for 40 years of service a few years could always be seen in our shelters back, and we dedicated stainedglass windows in our Men’s Inn around the holidays, setting up the dining room in their honor. dining room to welcome guests. A few months ago, we were fortunate A true friend to the homeless men enough to talk to Bob about his and women of Boston and to Pine Street Inn for over 40 years, Bob was longtime connection to Pine Street. Below is an excerpt of that committed to bringing hope and conversation: respect to our guests, tenants and trainees. “Over the years, Pine Street has We are deeply saddened by the recent changed in that it’s gone from the ‘a hot and a cot’ (a meal and bed for the passing of this longtime trustee, night) to a much more sophisticated, volunteer, friend and community multiservice organization. leader.
A recent photo of Bob Walsh (second from right) with (left to right), Pine Street President Lyndia Downie and fellow founding board members Vin McCarthy and Msgr. Frank Kelley
At the same time, it has not lost its primary mission of helping the individual. It’s kept that. (Continued on page 2)