East Boston APAC’s parent agency, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), has received a grant from Liberty Mutual Insurance to address youth homelessness in Eastie and across Boston
ABCD will be part of a $5 million effort by Liberty to support organizations in greater Boston working to reduce and end youth homelessness. ABCD was one of 19 organizations to receive funding.
ABCD and its East Boston APAC office have long provided case management of homeless youth and young adults as well as an emergency-needs fund and workforce development opportunities. Liberty will provide a $300,000 grant to ABCD to bolster these vital programs.
”As you can imagine, we were thrilled to be among the grantees,” said ABCD’s Lee Phenner. “The grant will allow ABCD to develop more centralized programming for all homeless youth in Boston.”
ABCD and the other organizations awarded grants were acknowledged during a ceremony in Boston’s South End at the More Than Words Liberty Bookstore.
“Today we celebrate people and organizations in our city who have dedicated their time, energy and passion to make a difference in the life of a young person experiencing homelessness,” said Liberty Mutual Insurance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Long. “Supporting the efforts of these organizations will ensure more young people are provided the tools and resources they need to successfully build their futures despite the challenges they’ve faced in their pasts. We’re extremely proud to be a partner in this work.”
The announcement of these grants follows the recent release of the City of Boston’s Rising to the Challenge Plan to End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness. Liberty Mutual representatives were among those who advised in the development of the city’s plan.
“Ending youth homelessness in the City of Boston requires an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “I’m grateful for Liberty Mutual’s partnership and commitment to this important issue. By working together we can take urgent action to make a difference in the lives of our city’s young people.”
President of Liberty Mutual Foundation Melissa MacDonnell said ABCD and the other organizations Liberty supports exemplify the dedication, innovation and strategic thinking necessary to create meaningful change on this vitally important issue and in the lives of so many young people.
“Together, with our non-profit partners and young people themselves, we will create new narratives and help incubate ideas that can provide young people with a sense of stability and security they need today to imagine and build their futures,” said MacDonnell.