Winter 2016
Innsider News from Pine Street Inn
Patience and
Persistence
During these coldest months of the year, we are often asked a couple of key questions: Why would anyone choose to remain outside on the streets in frigid weather? How do staff work with those who stay on the streets? Many individuals who choose to stay out on the streets suffer from mental illness and/or addiction. They may fear the crowds in shelters, or have difficulty following rules.
Our Outreach team works one-on-one with homeless individuals and meets them “where they are.”
Pine Street’s Outreach teams go out during the day by foot and at night in vans. They canvass the city and are familiar with the areas where people stay. It takes a special kind of person to do this work: staff must use patience, persistence and kindness to develop a relationship and build trust. This process can take weeks, months – or even years. (Continued on page 2)
Ending Veteran
Homelessness
Just before Veterans Day, the City of Boston hosted its first-ever housing “surge” for veterans at Pine Street Inn. Representatives from 11 partner agencies gathered for the first time in one place to assist veterans in connecting with housing resources. “One of the biggest barriers for a returning veteran is finding safe, affordable housing,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. “No one who has served our country should be homeless – and in Boston, we are working to make sure they will not be.” (Continued on page 4)
The one-stop event helped 60 vets receive counseling, benefits and housing help.
From the
President and cots in our lobbies since mid-October. This is not an ideal situation for anyone, especially our guests who find themselves with no place else to turn. I am not happy to see our shelter numbers grow. It challenges all of our resources, especially our staff. While we do everything we can to keep people safe and warm through the winter, we have not taken our eye off the solution – housing.
Richard Howard
How is it we can accommodate 100 additional people every night and keep them safe, warm and fed? How is it we can reach out to them and help them take the first steps out of homelessness? It is because of you. You step up every year and make sure we can do our job. Thank you.
As we do every year, we join Mayor Walsh
and other officials from the City of Boston for the homeless census in January, where hundreds of volunteers participate in the point-in-time count of Boston’s homeless population. Last year, the very good news was that the number of homeless men and women on the streets continued to decline as more people came into shelter. Conversely, the shelter numbers are on the rise. Some of that is good news – we want people to come off the streets into shelter. However, as we move into colder weather we need to ensure there is enough room for everyone. Boston has fewer “overflow” beds than in past years due to last year’s closure of the Long Island Shelter. Even though a new city shelter has opened, and despite the warm early winter weather, we have had over 100 men sleeping on mats
“While we do everything we can to keep people safe and warm through the winter, we have not taken our eye off the solution – housing.”
I am pleased to announce that we will be opening two new permanent residences in 2016. Thirty homeless men and women will move into their own apartments in February in a building that we will run jointly with Health Care for the Homeless and the developer of the project, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. In the spring, we will open another 10 units of housing in Dorchester. These two new projects mean we will have over 900 units of supportive housing for our guests. We can do this because of what you do. Thank you for making this new year the key to a new life for our guests. On behalf of all of us at Pine Street Inn, my best wishes for a Happy New Year to each of you!
Helping Those on the Street
The Homeless Task Force coordinates services with a
number of partners in Boston to ensure better outcomes for the highly vulnerable street population. Their immediate goal is to ensure the safety of homeless individuals on a nightly basis, with a long-term goal of getting men and women not only into shelter, but into a permanent place to live. In addition to Pine Street, participants include members from the Boston Police Department, MBTA and State Police, Boston Public Health Commission, numerous homeless service providers and representatives from Boston’s Business Improvement District.
(Patience and Persistence, continued from page 1) Now, with the formation of a Homeless Task Force (see sidebar, left), Pine Street Inn and other providers, the City of Boston, law enforcement and the business community have come together to provide the most effective and efficient support to those on the streets. This is often a delicate process, and staff always keep in mind that the men and women they encounter on the streets are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. As Outreach Director Mike Andrick says, “The Outreach team’s mantra is ‘Never, never, never give up!’” [2]
Outreach
In Action
To reach those who are most vulnerable, Pine Street Inn meets men and women where they are. For some, that’s on the
streets of Boston. Since 1986, Pine Street’s Outreach teams have worked directly with people who refuse shelter—often those struggling with mental illness, addiction or other challenging life events. Daytime Outreach staff comb the streets by foot, while nighttime Outreach teams travel by van, bringing food, blankets, clothing and medical assistance. Both teams use consistency, respect and compassion in their approach, along with a philosophy of never giving up on men and women who stay on the street.
LINDA OUTREACH
Still on the street
Outreach teams have known Linda, who stays on the street, for three years. Last summer, Linda became ill and spent time in the hospital. There was hope that after her illness, she might decide to come inside. After she was discharged, though, Linda returned to the familiarity of the streets. The nighttime Outreach van pulled up at her usual spot and encouraged her to come to the Women’s Inn. She refused, but did accept food and blankets. Outreach staff were able to engage Linda that night and continue to encourage her to accept housing, with the hope that one day she will agree.
KEVIN
Off the street in shelter
Life is beginning to change for the better for Kevin, who struggles with mental illness. He has been on the streets for 11 years, where both daytime and nighttime Outreach teams regularly interacted with him. Rick Friedman
SHELTER
In just the past month, he has started to voluntarily come into the Men’s Inn on the Outreach van. The next step is housing. Staff are extremely proud of Kevin and encouraging him every step of the way. Says one Outreach team member, “You keep trying because you never know when someone will decide to come in.”
PATRICK HOUSING
Now thriving in housing
Patrick is a Vietnam War veteran who had once worked two jobs but later had difficulty finding work. Eventually, he ended up on the streets. Even though many nights were really cold, he just did not like shelters. But that all changed when Pine Street Outreach workers started reaching out to him. Many days they would be the only people Patrick would engage with, and he found he could talk to them about anything. Once Patrick came into the shelter, staff worked to find him housing. When a room became available in one of Pine Street’s houses, he moved right in. An avid reader and history buff, Patrick is glad to have a community of other tenants around him. [3]
Spreading
Monthly Giving: Join the
Innkeepers Club
As part of the Innkeepers Club, your monthly support provides critical funds that Pine Street can count on throughout the year – helping to bring us that much closer to finding a home and community for everyone. The many benefits of monthly giving include:
Holiday Cheer The annual outpouring of generosity and
support during the holidays helps brighten the season for our guests and tenants. We thank all our donors and volunteers for their support.
• Consistently helping men and women in need. Whether during the cold of winter or the heat of summer, your membership provides year-round support. • Convenience. Gifts are automatically transferred and will appear each month on your credit card or checking account statement. Rick Friedman
• Our gratitude. Join the Innkeepers Club, and receive a special Pine Street canvas tote bag. • Periodic updates. Receive news via mail and/or email. • Special events and volunteer opportunities. Join the Innkeepers Club on Sunday, March 27, 2016, to provide a wait-style brunch for our guests and hear from our program staff about their work. • Flexibility. Call 617. 892.9183 or email Innkeepers@pinestreetinn.org to amend your gift.
Join today! Simply fill out the back of the reply slip enclosed in
City Councilor Tito Jackson, President Lyndia Downie, State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Police Commissioner William B. Evans, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and Senate President Stan Rosenberg carved the Thanksgiving turkeys for our guests.
this package, or visit www.pinestreetinn.org/monthly
A Breakfast to Benefit Pine Street Inn SAVE THE DATE!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Marriott Boston Copley Place With keynote speaker
Eliza Dushku
ACTOR, PRODUCER, PHILANTHROPIST and FRIEND OF PINE STREET
For information on sponsorships and ticket sales, contact us at 617.892.9170 WWW.PINESTREETINN.ORG/BREAKFAST
(Ending Veteran Homelessness, continued from page 1) At this event, 60 homeless veterans met with representatives from various agencies to better understand the resources available for them to become housed. Veterans were able to speak to the Veterans Administration to apply for benefits; to the CORI board to learn about their CORI status; veterans could also speak to housing search experts, and work with the Veterans Administration and the Boston Housing Authority to become certified for housing vouchers that will enable them to afford apartments in the private market.
Above Left: 1,600 shelter guests and housing tenants received warm, practical gifts this holiday season, thanks to generous donors to the “Warm Up The Holidays” fundraising drive. Above Right: Members of the Innbassadors, organizers of the “Warm Up The Holidays” fundraising drive, wrapped holiday gifts with over 100 volunteers.
“We at Pine Street Inn were honored to host this event. To see all the partners working together, and to know that many of these veterans are on their way to being housed, is so very gratifying,” said Lyndia Downie, President of Pine Street Inn. “Not that long ago, I was sleeping on the street,” said Shamus, an army veteran. “Now I have a place to live and a direction for my life. My thanks to Pine Street for all the support they have given me.” [4]
stable buildings, stable lives:
Preserving Pine Street’s Properties More than
Housing for individuals who were once homeless is a precious resource.
just a roof over one’s head, a home is a place where an individual feels safe and can build a life. A major component of Pine Street’s efforts to end homelessness is permanent supportive housing in 39 housing locations for nearly 900 individuals. An important part of providing a stable home is providing a stable building.
A few years ago, Pine Street Inn went through a capital needs assessment to understand the work that would need to be done to preserve our buildings in the coming years. From this careful planning came a five-year Capital Improvements Plan, now underway in terms of implementation and funding.
The plan includes projects such as new roofs, boiler replacements, fire alarm systems and energy efficiencies. “This work is incredibly important,” explained Lyndia Downie, Pine Street’s President and Executive Director. “Housing for individuals who were once homeless is a precious resource. This is what it takes to keep our buildings strong and stable so we can help people rebuild their lives.” A stately Victorian-era building on Shawmut Avenue in Boston’s South End is a perfect example of this work. Providing a home to 16 formerly homeless men and women, the building was the site of extensive repairs to the façade and roof last year (photo left), and before that, the 100-yearold interior staircase was rebuilt. These repairs were made possible through generous support from foundation, corporate and individual donors. Fundraising for the remaining projects in the Capital Improvements Plan is a priority for Pine Street. We are grateful to all those who have already supported this work and welcome new partners. By providing individuals with a solid, well-maintained home – not simply a place to stay – our goal is to create an environment where people can move toward stability, self-sufficiency and a sense of community.
For more information on either of these initiatives, please contact: Alicia Ianiere, Vice President of Capital and Leadership Gifts, at 617.892.9177 or alicia.ianiere@pinestreetinn.org
Thank You, Mr. Kraft! Pine Street Inn’s President Lyndia was driving
home one day when her cell phone rang. She did not recognize the number, but picked it up and heard: “This is Robert Kraft.” Her surprise turned to delight when she learned that the owner of the New England Patriots, who is also a prominent philanthropist, was calling to let her know about a major gift. The gift is part of a broader effort to honor the legacy of Mr. Kraft’s late wife, Myra Kraft, who was known for her deeply personal commitment to helping those in need. We are thrilled and grateful to Mr. Kraft for a $100,000 gift to Pine Street that will help us expand iCater, our social
enterprise that provides catering for nonprofit and corporate customers. “This support is really game-changing and we are so appreciative,” said Downie.
Robert Kraft speaks at a Pine Street event last year.
The gift will make an impact on multiple levels, supporting job training that is a core activity of the social enterprise through accelerated growth in sales over the next two years. Pine Street Inn is working to match the grant in the next six months. [5]
Community Friends
Agency Creates
Special Ad Campaign
Allen & Gerritsen, a Boston ad agency, selected Pine Street Inn as a partner for their “Action & Goodness” digital fundraising campaign. During the month of December, three Pine Street videos were featured on A&G’s website and social media, with donations matched by A&G client and longtime Pine Street supporter, Ninety-Nine Restaurants. Our thanks to both for their generosity!
Ads Highlight
Pine Street’s Work This fall, The Boston Globe generously sponsored a series of ads for Pine Street promoting our theme of “A Home and Community for Everyone.” The ad series featured four Pine Street tenants with quotes about the meaning of home to them.
A&G captured footage for one of three videos.
We thank the Globe for their generosity!
Check out the video gallery on our website:
www.pinestreetinn.org
Turkey Truck
Delivers
Ten years ago, two friends of Pine Street Inn started the “Turkey Truck” to raise funds for the purchase of turkey served during the holidays in Pine Street’s shelters.
Through this generosity and the power of bulk purchasing, the Turkey Truck now provides our guests and tenants with nutritious protein for meals throughout the winter months each year. This year’s Turkey Truck has already provided protein for 31,240 meals in Pine Street’s shelters and residences, with more on the way!
Volunteers unload nearly 12,000 pounds of protein from the Turkey Truck.
To find out more about the Turkey Truck, visit:
www.pinestreetinn.org/turkeytruck
Supports Housing Our thanks to Bank of America for their generous grant in support of Pine Street’s housing program, which enables men and women to find stability and rebuild their lives. This grant is part of the bank’s efforts to create positive community change. Says Bank of America, “Providing support to organizations like Pine Street Inn, that in turn provide critical services and programs, is just one of the ways we help improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.”
Pine Street Inn Innsider
444 Harrison Avenue
Published three times a year by the Development and External Affairs Department
General Information: 617.892.9100
Boston, MA 02118 Donations: 617.892.9170 Volunteers: 617.892.9186 www.pinestreetinn.org
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