by Joy Pearson
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.
– Coretta Scott King
Businesses and individuals in Malden and surrounding towns contribute food, clothing, household necessities and donations to the non-profit organization Housing Families, Inc. whose head office is at 919 Eastern Avenue in Malden. Housing Families assists with intensive case management, emergency, temporary and permanent housing as well as provides many supportive services to homeless families and individuals and to those facing economic hardship and evictions.
The nonprofit organization has grown substantially since 1986 when several community members started five shelter units under the name Tri-City Housing in response to the rising homelessness they were seeing in Malden. The name later changed to Housing Families, Inc., which now has 325 units of family shelter and 44 units for individuals. According to their website, it is “one of the largest operators of affordable housing for homeless and low-income families in MA.”
Major funding for Housing Families comes through foundation grants such as United Way and Malden’s Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation. Yet, hands-on contributions from local businesses, organizations and individuals in and around Malden also provide vital support for their programs.
Every week on Wednesday and Friday, food insecure individuals, including Housing Families clients, can obtain a large box of food at the Bread of Life food pantry at 54 Eastern Avenue. Bread of Life connects directly with these clients through Housing Families’ weekly motel outreach. Bread of Life volunteers and staff fill grocery boxes from their food pantry to be delivered to people living in motels. They drive vans to the motels and interact with the families noting their preferences. Patty Kelly, Director of Development at Bread of Life, who also worked at Housing Families for 12 years, said, “Some of those families are working with Housing Families. It’s very important to Bread of Life that we provide fresh produce. We’re fortunate that we are able to collaborate between the two organizations – that [we] can band together to help families that are in need of food.”
Bread of Life also serves free community meals Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in their downstairs dining hall. In addition to major suppliers like the Greater Boston Food Bank, food is donated from Malden Community Garden, Everett Community Growers and from individual gardeners. Upstairs are 14 permanent housing units, some of which are occupied by Housing Families clients. These people are welcome to eat downstairs and to access the food pantry. A Housing Families contact person works with them on premises.
Every fall, people can run, walk, and bring their kids and dogs for a Housing Families 5K Fun Run event hosted at River’s Edge in Medford. Molly Abrahamson, Director of External Relations at Housing Families said, “We have such generous sponsors. They sponsor the food and event costs so that…we raise a lot of money.” She goes on to say that the day is super enjoyable for the attendees – “like a community celebration day – a way to say thank you to our community.”
One holiday event this past year was a plastic pumpkin that was located at the head office. Housing Families sent out a request to 5,000 people through their newsletter and generous Malden area residents filled the pumpkin with gift cards of any amount. Those gift cards helped Housing Families residents buy items/services they needed but couldn’t afford, such as childcare, dental care and hygiene needs.
Each year corporate supporters and community members from Melrose create a ‘Give a Gobble’ event. Supporters put together meal kits bags that have everything a family would need for Thanksgiving. Abrahamson said, “It was 160 very large bags this year.” Bags get dropped off at Temple Beth Shalom, Melrose, retrieved by Housing Families volunteers, and taken to the main office on Eastern Ave for case managers to distribute. All Housing Families clients have a case manager who helps them monitor daily/weekly life. Abrahamson said, “Our donor community, I know I’m biased, but they’re really, really special.”
Every month, Malden area residents who shop at Stop and Shop can purchase bouquets of fresh flowers through their Bloomin’ 4 Good program. A percentage of the month’s profits from each bouquet purchased goes to feed 10 food-insecure families. Both purchasers of the flowers and Stop and Shop itself, therefore, are supporting Housing Families.
Josh Deering, Social Media and Marketing Manager for Idle Hands Craft Ales on 89 Commercial Street, notified their social media connections, asking them to bring in new winter clothing and other needs on January 18, 2025. They did. Idle Hands also donated $1 for every beverage poured, the total coming to about $100 along with the clothing donations. Deering said, “We live in Malden and want to support the people who live in Malden. We want people to be able to live in Malden. We really want to be seen as a business that does good.”
Idle Hands’ connection to Housing Families started pre-Covid, Deering said. After asking City Hall for a charity that has a big impact in the community with tangible effects on people, Idle Hands chose Housing Families as the recipient of funds they would raise at their Dunk Tank during Oktober Fest. Known area celebrities as well as their own staff volunteers get dunked into the tank. Deering said, “Last year we raised over $3000 by people paying for a chance to throw a softball at a dunk tank.”
Photo from Idle Hands Facebook page.
Besides sustenance, organizations provide recreation and learning/achievement.
One such opportunity Housing Families clients have is at Malden’s Town Line Luxury Lanes. Rosi said, “They’re amazing. Individuals from the shelter can go there on Thursday to bowl.” Jeff Faller, assistant manager says Housing Families clients bowl at the approval of the owner, have a 2-hour max from 12-2 and pay nothing.
A special program was developed during Covid by two local girls who wanted to get involved in their community. They made a website, created origami cards, sold them at places like Farmers’ markets, and gave the money to Housing Families. One of them founded a nine-week zoom program on Sundays offered twice a year for grades 7-12 students from all across the state. Youth Service and Engagement Program (YSEP) teaches volunteer and advocacy skills as well as about mental health – the impact of trauma, and how people can heal and get mental health support. At the in-person final Sunday session, students meet each other, bring parents or caregivers, and witness all the great stuff they have done.
Similarly, students in social work colleges and universities who are looking to find internships out in a community often seek out Housing Families. Rosi said, “Their presence makes it easier [for us] to serve more people.”
A signature annual event at Housing Families in March/April is an open-to-the public legislative breakfast. Local and state elected legislators, area mayors and guests are invited to hear Housing Families advocates talk about needed policy changes to create more housing. Rosi said, “It’s an opportunity for families to share their story and elevate their voices and experiences.” Rather than the goal of fundraising, this event is for mental and emotional support and to get more people involved. This year the event will be on April 4 (register here).
Abrahamson said, “One of the things I love about Housing Families and actually why I was interested in working here is because we’re so deeply ingrained with our community relationships. I really do get to meet so many members of the community. A lot of the local community members really show up to support [us] year after year.”
Be the first to comment