Springtime Blossoms
Hello Friends,
I’m sure you have been wondering where we have been. It’s been a while since our last newsletter, and we’ve missed sharing our updates and stories with you! We’ve taken this time to regroup and focus on bringing more value to our community. Now, we’re back, energized and excited to reconnect.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Visits Commonwealth Land Trust: A Commitment to Service
In an inspiring testament to public service, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley recently visited Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT) to witness firsthand the impactful work being done to support the community. Led by Steve Wilkins, Director of Marketing & Outreach at CLT, the congresswoman toured our properties in Dorchester.
Joined by Elise Ranger, Clinical Program Director, Lourdes Samedy, Medical Case Manager, and Ugonna Achebe, Development Specialist, the visit was an opportunity for Congresswoman Pressley to engage directly with tenants and gain deeper insights into their needs and challenges.
During her time at CLT, Congresswoman Pressley engaged in meaningful conversations with tenants, including a heartwarming exchange with Mr. Charles, a long-term resident of over 10 years at 123 Crawford St. These interactions provided valuable perspectives on the impact of CLT’s work and underscored the importance of affordable housing initiatives in the community.
Congresswoman Pressley’s visit serves as a reminder of the critical role that dedicated public servants play in advocating for the needs of their constituents. Her commitment to serving the people aligns perfectly with CLT’s mission to provide stable housing and support services to those in need.
As we reflect on Congresswoman Pressley’s visit, let us be inspired to continue our efforts in creating positive change and serving our community with compassion and dedication.
Impact Story Series: Journey to Stability and Renewed Purpose
The personal account below is shared with the author’s original wording. However, names have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
Hello, my name is Jason Nolan, and I moved into 570 Warren Street in early April of 2000. It was at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic and back then, it was a Sober Living facility that was owned and operated by a different group. It was all I could afford.
Coming from someone who has been chronically homeless for about 15 years prior to this for a variety of reasons, I can say that I’m pretty grateful that CLT has ownership of this property. They have been able to provide relatively safe and stable housing for me, since they have been in place. I have been able to keep my residence with the help of CLT finding financial assistance from various sources. That has helped give to me a less stressful mindset and living situation, which in turn has allowed me to focus on working on better myself.
I’ve always worked, even when I was homeless. However, I’m a big privacy advocate and because of this, never really had bank accounts or was interested in establishing credit. This caused me to spend the majority of my paychecks on hotel rooms, so I could never really accumulate any savings, and without any real credit, well, you know how that goes when you’re trying to get an apartment for yourself, even though you can show an income. It just doesn’t happen. I could go on and on about being in shelters sometimes and choosing to spend the night on a bench somewhere. Or sleeping in a van for the winter. I’m sure you have heard many stories that are similar to my experiences.
About 25 months ago, not long after CLT took over this property, I was struck by an automobile while crossing the street in the morning. This was on top of a neurological condition that had started a few years prior and had been progressing. This accident kind of permanently put me out of work, because I could no longer physically, and safely, do my old job. Or any other job for that matter. I also have a very rough time speaking clearly because of the neurological issues and that leaves me out of obtaining any sort of employment that would require me to speak. It’s been very frustrating for me.
CLT’s support services have made themselves available to me. They meet with me on a weekly basis and my medical case manager meets with me multiple times during the week to assist me in any way possible. I’m grateful to all of the assistance that I’ve received from them. Because of my disability, I’m going to have to start a new career/job. I’ve decided to enter the Cybersecurity field, as my mind is still very sharp. I’ve done a ton of research and now I’m trying to obtain the appropriate hardware to begin with my learning skills in this particular area. I’m hopeful to get some donations from some companies or educational institutions or organizations that will help me begin.
I wouldn’t be able to even attempt any of this without a stable housing situation or any of the people at CLT who provide me with support, sometimes on a daily basis.
Sincerely,
Jason Nolan
The Price Tag of Financial Illiteracy
To coincide with National Financial Literacy Month, CLT launched a Financial Literacy series led by our finance manager, Uwakmfon Sambo, affectionately known as Waky. Through this series, Waky will be sharing valuable financial insights and nuggets to help us enhance our financial literacy and strengthen our money management skills.
In her inaugural piece, titled “The Price Tag of Financial Illiteracy,” Waky delves into the profound consequences of neglecting financial well-being. Just as falling ill disrupts daily life, she explains, financial illiteracy can have far-reaching effects on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Waky emphasizes the importance of investing in financial education as a crucial step towards safeguarding our future.
Feel free to explore the full article for more insights!
Building Families Beyond Walls
As we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 12 and International Day of Families on May 15, we reflect on the important role of families and how they shape our lives. At Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT), we believe that family extends beyond blood relations. For many, family is a bond formed through shared experiences and mutual support.
Family is more than just a household; it’s a place of trust, love, and unwavering support. CLT works tirelessly to keep families together, providing them with the resources and stability they need to thrive. We believe in empowering individuals to not only rebuild their lives but also to contribute positively to their communities.
The journey to stability is often riddled with challenges, whether it be homelessness, recovery from addiction, or other adversities. CLT has been a haven for those navigating these challenges. By providing safe housing and supportive services, we create spaces where individuals can form meaningful relationships and establish their own communities of support.
For many of our residents, this journey would not be possible without the family-like network they find within our walls. Our staff and residents come together to offer support, guidance, and friendship, building a community that fosters healing and growth. Each person who walks through our doors becomes part of our family, and together, we face the challenges of life head-on.
With our comprehensive approach, we empower individuals and families as they journey toward independence. Our programs and services go beyond mere shelter provision. We offer support in job training, financial literacy, and access to healthcare, among other essentials. By tackling the underlying causes of homelessness and addiction, we enable individuals to rebuild their confidence and pave the way for a more promising future.
We celebrate not only traditional families but also the families we create through community, support, and shared experiences. At Commonwealth Land Trust, we continue to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most, offering a place where everyone can belong and call home. Together, as a family, we build a stronger future for all. Happy International Day of Families.
| As always, we would also like to express our ongoing gratitude to CLT’s supporters, community partners, donors, and more who have helped us in big and small ways to house and support individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity throughout Massachusetts. We hope our work continues to inspire you to support us. Join in the cause by donating to our general fund today! Your tax refundable gift goes a long way to help us provide the best support we can to Greater Boston’s most vulnerable families. |