HomeStart’s Renew Collaborative Program Expands to the South Shore, Offering Crucial Resources to Prevent Homelessness by Reducing Evictions

Building off initial success in Boston, Bank of America, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, HomeStart and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley extend pioneering venture into Brockton, Fall River and Quincy

Boston – (June 28, 2019) Bank of America, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), HomeStart and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley this week officially launched the South Shore expansion of The Renew Collaborative, a program developed by HomeStart, and supported by services provided by Father Bill’s & MainSpring, aimed at preventing homelessness in Massachusetts by significantly reducing eviction rates for non-payment of rent.

According to the Eviction Lab, in 2016 there were 2,300 eviction filings for nonpayment of rent in the South Shore communities of Brockton, Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth and Randolph. Through the expanded Renew Collaborative model, short-term intensive case management will now be available to low-income families in Brockton, Fall River and Quincy who are facing non-payment eviction and are on the brink of homelessness. In addition, families will have access to resources supporting landlord negotiations, small grants of rental assistance and post-crisis stabilization support.

“We have an opportunity to permanently end all episodes of homelessness by way of non-payment eviction for Massachusetts’ working poor and families with subsidies,” said Matthew Pritchard, President and Executive Director of HomeStart. “By saving property owners considerable amounts of time and money, The Renew Collaborative provides an economically sustainable vehicle that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support that the Bank of America, Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the United Way is providing.  Our opportunity is profound and thousands of families are waiting for us.”

The Renew Collaborative’s South Shore program will work to broaden and continue the success of HomeStart’s Boston-based initiative, which shows more than 97 percent of households remain housed one year after an intervention. Additionally, 48 months after an intervention only 5 percent of households have been evicted for non-payment.

“In order to get on the path to economic mobility, Massachusetts families need to ensure that their basic needs are being met by having a safe and stable place to call home. We were early investors in the Renew Collaborative because its approach was innovative, informed by experts in the field, and anchored in dignity and compassion,” said Miceal Chamberlain, Bank of America Massachusetts President. “ Expanding the program to the South Shore is something we’re committed to, and exemplifies the power to make positive change when private, public, and nonprofit sectors collaborate on homelessness prevention solutions.”

The Renew Collaborative brings tenants and landlords to the table as part of the solution and also reduces costs for state and city social services (housing, education, and healthcare). Beyond immediate cost savings, stability in housing strengthens communities, supports educational achievement, fosters the opportunity for more productive lives, and protects families from a poverty spiral that has real implications on the mobility of the next generation.

“For more than a century, CJP has been dedicated to supporting the vulnerable members of our community and the broader world. This fundamental value is deeply rooted in our Jewish tradition, which teaches that it is not enough for us to just take care of our own,” said Rabbi Marc Baker, President and CEO of CJP. “In coming together with our local partners to expand the Renew Collaborative program we are working to address the root cause of homelessness before families are in crisis. We are proud of what our combined efforts have led to thus far as we take the first step in ensuring that everyone in our communities has a safe, stable and secure home.”

The expanded program’s official launch comes just seven months after the announcement of a new partnership to fund the public-private-nonprofit model’s growth with an investment of $175,000 from Bank of America, CJP and United Way.

“It’s exciting to find new, effective approaches to solving complex issues,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “When HomeStart successfully replicated the Renew Collaborative in other types of housing, it inspired United Way to sign on to help scale the program outside of Boston.  By leveraging the philanthropic partnership of Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Bank of America, and the on-the-ground services of Father Bill’s & MainSpring, we will prevent even more families from experiencing homelessness in our region through this proven, innovative program.”

“Father Bill’s & MainSpring is honored to be a part of the Renew Collaborative’s expansion to the South Shore.,” says John Yazwinski, President & CEO of Father Bill’s & MainSpring. “Where it is becoming increasingly challenging for many in our community to keep pace with an expensive housing market, we must be proactive in our response to address this issue.  We are excited that the Renew Collaborative does just that and enhances our ability to better meet the needs of households facing eviction.”

Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter joined the sponsoring organizations in celebrating the program’s official launch into these critical communities at an event yesterday morning at Brockton City Hall.

Added Mayor Carpenter, “we are excited that the Renew Collaborative is bringing their successful eviction prevention strategy to assist families in Brockton.”

Carpenter headlined a short speaking program that was followed by a discussion on preventing homelessness and improving educational and financial outcomes for children and families at risk.

Speakers during the program included: Dave Padrazo, Consumer Banking Market Leader for Massachusetts’ Southwest Region at Bank of America; Rabbi Marc Baker, President and CEO of CJP; Mayor Bill Carpenter, City of Brockton; and Michael K. Durkin, President and CEO of United Way Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley; John Yazwinski, President and CEO of Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Inc.; Matthew Pritchard, President and Executive Director of HomeStart; Lisa Morishanti, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement at Trinity Management Company, and Robert Jenkins of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority.  ###

Editor’s note: We are saddened to learn that Mayor Carpenter passed away suddenly on July 3. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends and the entire City of Brockton, and we hope the community finds peace and healing.