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.
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“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
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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
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