In an inspiring collaboration, The Haven Project and Harborlight Homes (HH)—two valued United Way partners—have joined forces to address the barriers faced by youth aging out of foster care or otherwise are at risk of becoming unhoused. Through their joint venture, Catalyst Housing in Lynn, youth will live in safe, stable housing while engaging in employment and career development opportunities. Catalyst Housing is a united effort to create pathways to stability for young adults (ages 18-24) who are just beginning to find their footing in the economy, helping them build independent, stable lives as they pursue their goals and dreams. 

The Haven Project Youth Victories Wall: A Tribute to their Youth’s Achievements!

Catalyst is transforming two vacant floors of a historic building into 24 affordable studio apartments specifically designed for youth aging out of foster care, one of these studios is reserved for a live-in case manager. Case management services will be provided by The Haven Project, ensuring residents have access to essential resources. “Catalyst is a beacon of stability and hope for young adults on the North Shore. We believe every youth deserves the opportunity to build their lives and have access to opportunities. Catalyst will provide the support, community, and resources they need to thrive. We're so excited to see this program come to life!” said Tracey Friedman, Executive Director at The Haven Project. 

The historic brick building has four floors. The Catalyst residential units are on the third and fourth floors, while The Haven Project’s client services center occupies the second floor. The first floor houses The Haven Project’s social enterprise café, Land of a Thousand Hills, where the job readiness program is conducted. Each floor is interconnected, working collaboratively to support the overall mission of creating pathways for unhoused or at-risk young adults. Together, they are providing more than just a home or a job; they are creating an environment where young adults can thrive, begin to realize their individual potential, and contribute to their communities. 

The historic brick building features four floors: Catalyst residential units on the third and fourth, The Haven Project's client services center on the second, and Land of a Thousand Hills café on the first, where the job readiness program is held.

Residents will be selected through a housing lottery, per fair housing policy, with no prior affiliation with The Haven Project required. They can stay indefinitely, allowing for natural turnover without a set move-out deadline. The studio units are funded through state project-based vouchers, enabling residents to pay 30% of their gross income for rent, with the voucher covering the remainder. 

Catalyst has been in development since 2018, with construction expected to conclude by spring 2025. Both organizations have successfully advocated for nearly $12 million in funding, drawing from various local, state, and federal sources, including ARPA funds from the City of Lynn, HOME funds from Lynn Housing and Community Development, an EOHHS grant, a Community Project Fund grant secured by U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, Massachusetts state historic tax credits, and Federal low income housing tax credits and ARPA-Supportive Housing funds awarded by the state Executive Office of Healthy and Livable Communities (EOHLC).  Tax credit investors Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp (MHIC) and Dorfman brought equity to the project, while Eastern Bank and Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) provided debt.  CEDAC (Community Economic Development Assistance Corp) provided early pre-development loans which helped the project get off the ground This collaborative effort exemplifies how strategic partnerships and cross-sector efforts can amplify, impact, and create lasting change for vulnerable populations.   

From left to right: Kristin Carlson, Director of Real Estate Development at HH; Angelica Perez, Assistant Executive Director at The Haven Project; and Tracey Friedman, Executive Director at The Haven Project, united in their mission to supporting community growth and housing initiatives.

“This partnership makes a lot of sense because our strengths are different but very complimentary. We bring expertise in housing development, while The Haven Project is an expert in providing direct services to homeless young adults, from job training to mental health support, all conveniently situated just a floor away,” said Kristin Carlson, Director of Real Estate Development at HH. This approach ensures that residents not only have a home but also access essential services, with an on-site resident service coordinator available for additional support. 

Now, let’s delve into Harborlight Homes (HH), a leader in affordable housing development dedicated to creating supportive and inclusive communities. 

HH approaches affordable housing development and management with an innovative, community and resident-centered approach. A non-profit Massachusetts-certified Community Development Corporation, HH develops, manages, and advocates for quality, service-enriched housing that is accessible to all. Most of HH's residents earn at or well below the area median income (AMI), with 98% earning below 60% AMI and many below 30% AMI. 

What sets HH apart is its commitment to fostering equitable, just communities with residents at the heart of its mission. “Housing is a social justice issue. We start by considering who the housing is for, and then how to get there. We manage our own projects and provide our own resident services so that we can have a holistic impact,” said Carlson. This integrated approach allows HH to create housing that not only provides a home but also allows seniors to age in place, safely and well, and fosters economic mobility for families. 

Angelica Perez, Assistant Executive Director at The Haven Project, excited to be outside the Catalyst construction site, looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on the community!

By collaborating with individuals, community groups, municipalities, and organizations, Harborlight addresses housing needs, advances economic mobility, and promotes racial equity. For instance, in addition to being United Way New Way Forward partners, The Haven Project and Harborlight Homes have been exceptional collaborators within the supportive housing coalition led by United Way. “Having the broad reach of United Way, alongside our close alignment of ideals, goals, and intended outcomes, makes this partnership essential,” said Andrew DeFranza, Harborlight Homes’ Executive Director. “The strength of the coalition-building and alliances, being fortified though United Way to drive systemic change, fortifies our affordable housing advocacy efforts for racial and economic equity, opportunity, and access in strategic places throughout the region.”  

Founded in 1963 as a church mission supporting vulnerable elders, HH has grown into the region’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer. In recognition of its impact, HH was named Nonprofit of the Year by the Boston Real Estate Times in 2021. Currently, HH provides 520 affordable homes for over 700 residents and plans to double its portfolio in the next five years by adding 517 units across nine projects; four are already under construction in Ipswich, Beverly, Rowley, and Lynn, including the Catalyst project. These housing units will support families, seniors, and those with developmental delays. Harborlight’s portfolio includes other projects for those facing homelessness, including a 26-unit project with wrap-around services for formerly homeless individuals, and a collaboration with Life Bridge North Shore to develop a new shelter housing 60 homeless individuals and 51 permanent supportive housing units. 

Beyond housing development, HH actively advocates for affordable housing policies aligned with the unique goals of its communities. Affordable housing creation, and challenges associated with this work, inform Harborlight’s advocacy efforts. Housing inequity, systemic socio-economic and racial barriers and local zoning-related issues are among those HH strives to work to overcome.  Directly linking advocacy and housing creation, HH created a formal advocacy and community education program, which was originally funded by a five-year grant from the Department of Public Health, administered by Health Resources in Action (HRiA). This initiative, From the Inside Out, tackles racial and economic inequities in housing and is currently in its fourth year. 

In recent years, HH has been involved in the revisions or creations of multiple municipal Housing Production Plans throughout the North Shore, advocated for ARPA funds to be allocated for affordable housing initiatives, and supported many local policies to ease the creation of affordable housing such as accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, Inclusionary Zoning ordinances, and the creation of Affordable Housing Trust Funds. HH also engages with elected officials on state level housing policy during Lobby Days and legislative breakfasts/Appy Hours, and has been heavily involved in the adoption of the MBTA Multi-Family Zoning Law as well as in gathering support for the Governor’s historic $5.1 billion bond bill, supporting the creation and preservation of 65,000 homes through 49 policy initiatives within the Affordable Homes Act. 

HH also supports residents and elected officials to better understand the crucial role affordable housing plays in economic mobility and health—and how local policy determines who can have it, where. Initiatives like the Housing Institute, Housing Stewards Program for community members, and a Resident Advisory Council (RAC) empower local voices in shaping policies at local and state levels. 

Since opening its doors in 2011 in Lynn, The Haven Project has been dedicated to helping youth aged 17 to 24 exit homelessness by equipping them with essential skills for self-sustainability and empowering them to make positive decisions for their futures. In doing so, the project aims to break the cycle of homelessness.  

Driven by six core focus areas—basic needs, employment, housing, education, health, and community—The Haven Project addresses the root causes of youth homelessness and fosters independence among its clients, most of whom are low-income or have no income. Youth homelessness often stems from trauma, including separation or abandonment by caregivers, as well as adverse childhood experiences, leaving young individuals vulnerable to dangers that disrupt their stability and can lead to long-term homelessness. To confront these challenges, The Haven Project offers a safe and supportive environment, helping young adults build resilience and navigate their paths toward stability. 

“While it is possible to get young adults housed, it is challenging to maintain housing given limitations in employment, foundational skills, and even public transportation. Rents are high and landlords are hesitant to rent to young people, who may lack life skills needed to maintain housing. It is now more important than ever to be sure that young people are not falling through the cracks and that we have the right resources to support them,” said Angelica Perez Baez, Assistant Executive Director at The Haven Project.  

The Haven Project engages approximately 300 youth annually, providing a range of services tailored to their unique needs. One of the standout programs is the Job Training Program (JTP), which began in 2016 with the launch of the Land of a Thousand Hills coffee shop. This social enterprise café not only serves delicious coffee but also provides on-the-job training, helping clients develop essential skills for the workforce. Employment social enterprises (ESEs) are businesses designed to do good – in fact theirs has the tagline: “Drink coffee. Do good.” Through this initiative, young adults learn vital job skills and gain experience in a supportive environment, paving the way for future employment opportunities. 

"We're so excited to see Catalyst Housing come to life!" -Tracey Friedman, Executive Director at The Haven Project, at Land of a Thousand Hills Café.

Through one-on-one job coaching services, The Haven Project works with clients to obtain and sustain employment, increasing their incomes and improving their ability to secure housing when needed. By combining job readiness classes, professional skills instruction, individualized coaching, and paid employment opportunities, the JTP empowers homeless young adults to confront and overcome the employment barriers they have faced in the past. 

“Our partnership with United Way provides sustaining support that strengthens The Haven Project's ability to address youth homelessness. United Way’s ongoing commitment to driving communities forward enables us to provide critical resources and opportunities for young adults, ensuring they have the support needed to achieve stability and independence. Together, we drive systemic change, not just responding to immediate needs, but building a future where all youth have the chance to thrive,” said Tracey Friedman, Executive Director at The Haven project. 

Last year, The Haven Project secured housing for 60 youth, engaged 50 participants in the Job Training Program (JTP), and helped 15 clients find community employment. Additionally, 100% of JTP graduates secured jobs outside the organization, while 30 clients achieved educational milestones, including obtaining a HiSET (formerly GED) or enrolling in school or trade programs. Catalyst Housing will expand the Haven Project's services to include permanent supportive housing. 

One of those inspiring success stories is Pablo's, who experienced homelessness before finding The Haven Project through a church. With their support, he secured emergency housing, accessed health services, and enrolled in the Job Training Program. While actively working toward long-term stability, Pablo secured a full-time job and recently graduated from a MassStep IT certification program. 

Meet Pablo, a Haven Project participant. After facing loss, he found hope and support in the community.

Reflecting on his journey, Pablo shares: “Before coming to the Haven Project, I thought I was alone, and that the world was my enemy. After losing my daughter, I felt empty and lost all motivation. I left home, not wanting to engage with life anymore. Then, I received information about the program at a church. With nothing left to lose, I accepted to go without despite having no hope. To my surprise, the support I received was unconditional. They pulled me out of the sadness and anxiety I was in and gave me the chance to study again—something I thought was no longer possible for me. I had never felt like part of anything anywhere, but The Haven Project gave me a family where we care for one another, a place where I feel at home and can be myself. It’s a family I found after losing so much. Now, I strive to be the best version of myself and help others along the way.” 

Pablo is now planning to pursue an associate's degree and has accepted a position in the IT department at North Shore Community College. Today, he enjoys stable housing and is thriving in his new career, eagerly anticipating what the future holds.  

Similarly, SL’s journey illustrates how the support and resources provided by The Haven Project empower individuals to overcome their challenges and build brighter futures. After moving from Idaho to Massachusetts in 2022 without connections or housing, The Haven Project stepped in, helping her secure shelter and essential items. SL worked closely with her case manager, setting and achieving goals that led her to complete the Job Training Program, earn CPR certification, and obtain necessary identification and health insurance. “The Haven Project helped me find stability when I was at my lowest. They provided clothes when I had nothing, assisted me in getting insurance, and connected me to better shelter,” said SL.  

Meet SL, a Haven Project participant. After moving to Massachusetts in 2022, she found stability, completed job training, and is now a straight-A student at North Shore Community College, aspiring to be a social worker!

Today, SL enjoys a safe and stable living situation and regularly visits their drop-in center, where she has formed meaningful connections with her peers. Her academic journey is also flourishing; she is currently enrolled at North Shore Community College and recently completed her first semester with straight A's. SL is prioritizing her mental health and practicing self-care, empowering her to thrive. Looking ahead, SL has ambitious dreams. “I would love to be a social worker. I want to finish my classes, graduate, and secure a good-paying job so I can have my own apartment,” said SL.  

While SL is charting her path forward, Jasmine's journey reflects another facet of resilience and growth. When The Haven Project first met Jasmine, she was living with a family member to escape an abusive relationship, but the environment remained toxic. Although excelling in her security job, Jasmine felt stuck. With The Haven Project’s support, she moved into her own apartment but faced a setback after falling behind on rent due to financial missteps. With coaching, she recovered and stayed on track. They also helped her secure a new job, where she quickly rose to a management position and has thrived for the past two years, becoming a valued staff member. 

Meet Jasmine, a resilient participant of The Haven Project. After escaping an abusive relationship, she secured her own apartment and rose to a management position. Now prioritizing her health, she plans to pursue a business degree this fall.

“Having the courage to leave a broken and toxic home, and with the support of the haven project, I wouldn’t be where I am today. To financially support myself and have my own apartment to call home. Being a part of the Haven Project is life changing,” said Jasmine.    

Now, Jasmine actively manages her health by regularly visiting her doctor and going to the gym. The Haven Project recently helped her apply for FAFSA as she plans to pursue a business degree this fall. Mindfully, she decided to forgo buying a car to prioritize her stable housing.  

The Haven Project not only supports individuals like Pablo, SL, and Jasmine but also actively engages the broader community to combat youth homelessness. In June 2022, the organization hosted one of the largest turnouts for the Massachusetts Youth Count, a crucial survey assessing the needs and demographics of unstably housed youth. Through community events, trivia nights, and open-mic sessions at their café, The Haven Project raises awareness about youth homelessness and invites public support. This community engagement aligns with SL's journey as she connects with peers at the drop-in center, illustrating the importance of a supportive network in overcoming challenges. 

Furthermore, The Haven Project secured a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grant (YHDP) in collaboration with the Lynn Housing Authority to establish a Transitional Housing Program—the first of its kind north of Boston. This initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to providing stable housing resources, which is vital for young adults like Jasmine, who transitioned into her own apartment with their assistance. As a key member of the Lynn Continuum of Care (CoC), The Haven Project works alongside local nonprofits to connect unaccompanied youth to essential housing resources, ensuring that success stories like SL’s and Jasmine's are not just possible but sustainable. 

The recent passing of the Affordable Homes Act marks a significant step forward, providing vital resources for projects like theirs. "It's landmark legislation and a game changer. We truly applaud the governor and lieutenant governor for their leadership and commitment to housing in the state,” said Carlson. “This is a great step, but there's still so much more to do. At a recent lottery event, the emotions in the room were overwhelming. You see people waiting with hope, and when someone secures an affordable home, it’s life-changing. There’s happiness, tears, and prayers—it really drives home why this work matters.” 

Through initiatives like this, Harborlight Homes and The Haven Project are not just building housing but also laying the foundation for sustainable, inclusive communities. “The purpose of the Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition (SHPC) is to bring innovations like this one to scale in order to realize our collective potential to prevent and end homelessness and reinvest resources in permanent solutions, “said Sarah Bartley,  

Join us in supporting this vital cause by attending community events, advocating for affordable housing, or spreading the word about the work being done. Together, we can make a difference and help more individuals and families find the stability they deserve.