Rebuilding Together Boston Receives $300,000 Grant from Liberty Mutual for Collaborative Efforts

Rebuilding Together Boston Receives Significant Grant

In an inspiring step toward addressing homelessness and enhancing job skills in Boston, Rebuilding Together Boston has been awarded a generous $300,000 grant from the Liberty Mutual Foundation. This significant funding is part of the foundation's inaugural Impact Driven Collaboration (IDC) grants and will focus on a partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and St. Francis House (SFH).

This initiative, named "Building Resilient Futures," embodies a dedicated effort among these three nonprofit organizations to tackle some of today's most pressing challenges. Specifically, the program aims to deliver workforce development training and essential home repairs for low-income families faced with housing instability.

The collaboration marks a monumental phase one of a two-part competitive grant program designed to promote innovative projects involving multiple nonprofit organizations. Under this initiative, Rebuilding Together Boston, HBI, and St. Francis House will come together to implement a pre-apprenticeship training program. This program seeks to equip individuals experiencing homelessness with practical skills necessary for employment in the construction sector while simultaneously undertaking critical home repairs.

St. Francis House, recognized as the largest and most comprehensive day shelter in the Commonwealth for adults facing homelessness, plays a crucial role in this partnership. The organization provides various services, including behavioral health support and assistance with job readiness. They are dedicated to helping individuals transition into sustainable employment, ultimately creating pathways out of homelessness.

The Home Builders Institute contributes by delivering trade skills training in residential construction, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for careers in the building industry. Through its extensive network, HBI provides job placement support, enhancing the employability of participants in a field that often faces skilled labor shortages.

Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Boston, Janice Walker, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting the importance of collaboration in their mission to restore and stabilize housing for Boston’s underserved communities. "We are thrilled to be part of this inaugural grant and look forward to building futures that are not only resilient in a workforce sense but also focus on sustainability through green building practices," she stated.

Likewise, Karen LaFrazia, CEO of St. Francis House, emphasized the communal benefits of the grant. "This partnership will not only help individuals escape the cycle of homelessness but also nurture a workforce that values sustainable practices, which is vital for the community's future," she remarked.

Mario Gonzalez, vice president of Workforce Training and Employment at HBI, reinforced the significance of this initiative, stating, "The Home Builders Institute is honored to join this collaborative effort aimed at reducing homelessness while preparing underserved populations for fulfilling careers who can make a meaningful difference in our communities."

The “Building Resilient Futures” initiative is one of 16 strategic partnerships developing projects focused on other vital areas such as food security, climate resilience, and educational opportunities. Together, these efforts represent a robust approach to societal challenges, leveraging the expertise of multiple organizations to create impactful solutions.

As they embark on this promising journey, these organizations remain committed to not only improving individual lives but also enhancing the overall well-being of the Boston community.

Rebuilding Together Boston has a long-standing history of helping families in need, having completed over 600 renovation projects valued at more than $8 million across 33 years. By eliminating the financial burden of critical home repairs, they strive to empower low-income families and ensure that everyone has a safe and secure place to live. For those who believe they could benefit from Rebuilding Together Boston’s services, they can apply directly through the organization’s website.

To learn more about the Home Builders Institute, visit hbi.org and for St. Francis House, explore their services at stfrancishouse.org.