Testimonials and Success Stories

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino: "Last summer, Mike Durkin and I saw economic challenges on the horizon, and we built a partnership based on a simple message: If you can help, please do. If you need help, please ask for it. Together we've raised $2 million to support our community and nonprofit partners, so that fewer people have to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. By working together, we will continue to overcome our biggest challenges to help the people of Boston."

Tom Lorello, executive director of Heading Home: “Our staff can feel helpless if they know people are loosing their homes and there is little they can do to stop it. These funds were very timely -- a godsend actually. It has allowed us to actively intervene to help people stay housed and get many others off the streets and out of the shelters. It is the latest example of what has been a long standing and fruitful partnership with the United Way.”

Maria Zoe Mossaides, executive director of Cambridge Family and Children's Service: “The ability to support families with these emergency funds during these difficult days has brought relief both to the families who need the help to make ends meet, and to our workers who have additional resources to offer their clients when other avenues are not available.”

Marolí Licardié, executive director of Family & Children's Service of Greater Lynn: “Family and Children’s Services of greater Lynn is proud to be a partner with United Way and a recipient of the Community Support Fund. Over the past year F&CS has seen a significant increase in requests for emergency assistance. During the past two months alone we recorded over 200 phone calls asking for help. With the Community Support funding available, we will be able to assist more families who find themselves in a crisis due to the current economic downturn.  We appreciate the work that United Way is carrying out on behalf of families in Lynn.”

Philip Bronder-Giroux, executive director of Tri-City Community Action Program: “Requests for assistance are at historic levels. The Community Support Fund allows the agency staff the flexibility to provide funds in the way that helps a particular household’s need. Having another tool to address emergency needs just makes financial interventions possible and more effective.”

Success Stories

Andre (79 years old) became homeless for the first time in his life 8 years ago. At the age of 71 he found himself at Pine Street Inn seeking shelter and other resources. He was overwhelmed by the environment of the shelter, and was quickly referred to the Elders Living at Home Program for case management services. Andre’s case was complicated, as he had lived in the U.S. since he was 16 years old, but did not have a legal immigration status.

In working with Andre, it became clear that his story was unique. Andre had come to the U.S. in 1946, after World War II.  He was 16 years old at the time, and had spent the previous 4 years in Mathausen, a concentration camp in Austria. Andre is French, and he and his family were taken by the Nazis to this camp and charged with being part of the French Resistance. His entire family was killed in the camp. 

At the end of the war, Andre was rescued by the Red Cross and brought to the United States. He has worked as a chef throughout the country for most of his life. It was only as Andre became older, with debilitating health issues, that he found himself less able to work. He had spent all of his savings, and with no “official” status in the country, he found himself with few options. It was then he became homeless.

After 2 years of extensive case management to address his complex immigration situation, Andre had finally obtained enough documentation to enable him to get his Permanent Resident Alien status. He was also able to find housing in a building specifically for elders. Andre has lived there successfully for 6 years and is part of a community that cares about him.

Andre is now at a crossroads in regards to his health. Due to the lack of healthcare he received while in the concentration camp as a youth, Andre suffers from a myriad of health issues and he receives limited MassHealth due to his status as a Permanent Resident Alien. He now has the chance to become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States. As such, he is eligible for Social Security benefits and a more comprehensive healthcare plan through MassHealth. Andre will now be able to access homecare services and will be able to live independently longer. He will also be able to transition either to an Assisted Living facility or a Nursing Home when appropriate.

Emergency assistance funds from the United Way have been vital to Andre’s ability to improve his life. Without help from this fund, he would not be able to afford the $595 fee to apply for Naturalization. It is only through the generosity of the United Way of Mass Bay and its donors that Andre will be able to have access to the resources he needs for stability in his housing. On behalf of Andre and MBHP, we send our grateful appreciation of your support.