Caritas Communities Inc

Programs: In 1985, p. Leo corcoran, a partner in the real estate firm john m. Corcoran & company, founded caritas communities, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization. Concerned about the rising number of homeless people, including working people unable to afford decent housing, mr. Corcoran and the original board of directors adopted the lodging house model as an efficient and affordable means of providing quality accomodations at an affordable rent. From the beginning, caritas has focused its efforts on preventing homelessness and stabilizing neighborhoods by providing affordable housing for people who can't make a living wage. Starting with an 11 room property in dorchester thirty years ago, caritas now owns 30 buildings throughout 14 greater boston communities with 919 units. In 2014, caritas made significant strides in serving the neediest citzens of greater boston:- provided housing to 895 very low income individuals- supplied supportive services to over 350 residents- finalized a three-year strategic plan with the harvard university community action partners (cap) team. - funded the position for our very first in-house residential case manager- completed financing for patriot homes construction (24 units of housing for veterans and families in south boston, the first of such housing in greater boston)- closed on the financing to fully renovate boston's bay village cortes street buildings, providing new studio units. Entered into a partnership with project place to provide support and job training for the 40 residents, all formerly homeless or domestic violence survivors. - formalized the homelessness prevention program, providing rental assistance to keep hard working people in their caritas home during a temporary crisis. - launched the "welcome basket" program (provide bedding, a place setting and basic self-care items to all incoming residents) and a resident holiday drive program.