Allston Brighton Comm Dev Corp

Programs: Community engagement. Encouraged a healthy, stable and engaged allston brighton by strengthening our work with vulnerable populations with respect to safe and healthy housing. Worked with the 20 members of the allston brighton neighborhood stabilization task force to continue to address issues regarding absentee landlords and quality of life, including advocacy for city policy changes relating to safe housing. Engaged 26 residents who educated allston brighton voters regarding the community preservation act that provides funds for affordable housing, historic preservation and open space. Coordinated 3 block parties, attracting 74 residents. Assisted the faneuil gardens tenant organization residents in holding an election, increasing voter turnout, and electing 6 residents to leadership positions. During the first full-year of operating a program aimed at stabilizing the north allston/north brighton neighborhoods, using an acquisition strategy to increase owner-occupancy and encourage civic participation, acquired 7 properties and sold 5 homes to owner occupants. In the fall, recruited and trained 4 residents to be ambassadors promoting owner-occupancy in the neighborhood. Continued to participate in and serve as fiscal agent for the allston brighton health collaborative, formed to work across sectors to improve overall community health. Coordinated year two of the "healthy community champion" program where 6 trained allston and brighton residents worked on campaigns aimed at increasing access to healthy food, beverages and transit in their neighborhoods, reaching 359 residents.

housing development and management. Completed rehabilitation of 235 affordable apartments. Established site control of a 33-unit property. Provided asset management services for residents in 506 units of rental housing. Provided increased support for residents, working with 56 households on concerns such as understanding lease requirements and financial education and assisting 4 families avoid homelessness through access to rental assistance programs. Hosted 4 move-in orientation sessions where 14 new resident households received gift baskets and resources to aid in planning for a successful tenancy. Conducted the annual resident survey and facilitated 4 resident focus groups to guide community center program development. Produced and distributed a monthly newsletter to 506 households to increase their knowledge of events and resources in the neighborhood. In collaboration with the boston police department and the property management company, coordinated a cookout/block party promoting healthy food access attended by 64 families. In october, coordinated haunted hallway celebrations at 2 sites where 24 parents and their children had safe spaces to gather for the holiday. Increased access to community cultural events and resources by securing tickets and gift cards/bags for 63 families.

homebuying education and counseling. Prepared first-time homebuyers for sustainable and stable homeownership by providing them with education and counseling by teaching eleven 10-11-hour homebuying 101 classes, graduating 256 people; launching the online course in spanish and providing one in-person class in spanish; facilitating in-person small group wrap-up sessions for 97 first-time homebuyers completing the road home online homebuying course; and providing one-on-one counseling to 39 graduates from the homebuying 101 classes and the road home online course. Increased awareness of community resources by producing and distributing the annual homeownership resource guide either online or as hard copy to 5,000 individuals and by distributing informational articles and program information via the homebuying mentors news blog, facebook page and twitter feed with 463 friends and followers.