WINTER NEWSLETTER
Happy New Year!
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MISSION: NOAH, a community development corporation, promotes equity, community cohesion, environmental justice, and economic resiliency. We increase access to affordable housing,
create social and economic opportunities, and empower residents to be leaders of change.
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NOAH’s pre-development and development activities continue in East Boston (7 ownership and 36 rentals at Aileron), Ayer (120 units), and Taunton (38 units at Union Block). To date, NOAH's Real Estate team has either rehabilitated or developed 494 units within 85 buildings in East Boston, Everett, Beverly, Holliston, North Andover, Carlisle, Webster, and Middleborough. NOAH works with many different entities in each community to achieve shared housing and preservation goals with marked sensitivity to historical, ecological, and land use concerns. We also continue to pursue other potential pipeline projects throughout Greater Boston including additional East Boston and suburban locations, one of which is for 80 units at a TOD location south of Boston.
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Digital Rendering of Ayer Project
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If you know of any potential pre-development, development, or City of Boston AOP real estate projects and would like to suggest them to NOAH, please reach out to ED Phil Giffee at 617-418-8240 or pgiffee@noahcdc.org.
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THERE IS STILL TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
NOAH'S REMAINING 50% STATE CITC'S!
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As 2022 begins, all of us at NOAH would like to once again take the opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who has made our work possible through their generous support. We remain extremely thankful to have been able to respond to the needs of disadvantaged members of our community and continue our vital services to record numbers of clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
With CITCs, those who are able to make a donation of $1,000 or more can double their impact! Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) donors making a gift of $1,000 or more are able to receive half back (50%) in state tax credits or rebates. A $500 net donation can work like a $1,000 donation to help NOAH offer free programming to individuals, families, and children in need.
To make a donation of any amount, including a CITC investment, please visit our donation page at: noahcdc.org/donate. We would be happy to talk further about the opportunity to double the value of your charitable donation or to answer any questions you may have about CITCs. Please reach out to Linda Foster, Director of Fundraising, at 617-418-8246 or linda@noahcdc.org for more information.
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RENTAL HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION SERVICES
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NOAH’s Rental Homelessness Prevention and Emergency Housing Assistance programming helps residents maintain or obtain apartment homes and avoid or mitigate homelessness. The focus is on serving current tenants who suffer from being displaced, or who are vulnerable to dislocation within the next 90 days. This programming also assists those who are newly homeless to obtain shelter or a new apartment, including fire and other emergency related victims. These services are part of our commitment to low- and moderate-income Boston residents in need of support related to accessing affordable housing opportunities in the region. Some 300 households are helped by NOAH now, on average, each year.
NOAH’s Rental Homelessness Prevention Services programming also has continued to work with the City of Boston’s Office of Housing stability to assist with the City’s COVID-19 Rental Relief Fund initiative. NOAH was selected by the City to help offer ‘Rent Relief’ during the pandemic and to date, $9,466,000 (in Federal and/or City funds) has been distributed by NOAH case managers on behalf of 1,448 distressed households, allowing them to remain safely housed in their apartment homes. We would like to again express kudos to former Mayors Walsh and Janey, Mayor Michelle Wu, and to DND Director Sheila Dillon, for expanding and maintaining this wonderful programming.
If you have any questions about the Rent Relief or other Rental Homelessness Prevention programs, please contact Linda Foster, Department Director, at 617-418-8246 or linda@noahcdc.org
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COMMUNITY BUILDING & ENVIRONMENT
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We are excited to introduce our new virtual Community Leadership Institute) CLI team. The CLI program from NeighborWorks America aims to strengthen the voices and skills of community, resident, and volunteer leaders. It helps by sharing best practices and solutions to challenges in low- and moderate-income communities. Participants attend a full range of courses, and each participating team creates an action plan for making positive change in their community. In 2021, NOAH's CLs were busy improving the raised garden beds in our community and putting on a host of community-oriented events.
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In October of 2021, NOAH hosted Día del Maíz, a Day of the Corn Festival. The origins of Día del Maíz are rooted in Latin America culture as a celebration of the harvest. NOAH's event featured fun for the whole family, including a wide selection of corn-based treats, children's activities, pumpkin decorating, music, and more. We would like to thank everyone who participated and all those who helped put on this great event.
In coordination with the Madaro’s Family “Thanksgiving Day Dinner”, NOAH and a group of dedicated volunteers also delivered special Thanksgiving meals to 25 families in November.
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Wicked High Tides
On the mornings of December 4th and 5th, Boston experienced a Perigean Tide. During this spectacular tidal event, East Boston saw an additional two feet of coastal water depth that provided a brief insight into how rising sea levels may affect our home community. NOAH, the Stone Living Lab, and the National Park Service combined efforts to share a glimpse at what 2050 could look like for East Boston residents. The “wicked high tides” event took place simultaneously in three low-lying coastal vulnerable spaces around Boston, including East Boston.
If you have any questions about NOAH's East Boston resiliency work, please reach out to East Boston Resiliency Planning Coordinator, Latifa Ziyad, at lziyad@noahcdc.org or 857-322-1331.
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Tech Goes Home
NOAH works to address a digital divide though our Tech Goes Home (TGH) computer classes, with our latest class graduating this fall. In these comprehensive IT/computer classes, students learn valuable technical skills that transfer directly to their day-to-day lives, in employment, in the pursuit of higher education, and at home. NOAH is proud of all our recent course graduates, all of whom received a brand-new Chromebook.
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ESOL
TGH courses are part of NOAH’ s ESOL programing, with the overall mission to help new Bostonians learn, improve, and practice their use of the written and oral English language in a comfortable, communal environment. Each year we educate over 150 individuals though ESOL programing. Additionally, NOAH offers an ‘Intro to Citizenship’ course to help community members navigate the citizenship application process.
You can learn more about NOAH's ESOL programs, Intro to Citizenship course and Tech Goes Home computer education on our website: HERE
If you are interested in NOAH's English for Other Languages classes or want to find out more about any of NOAH’s related ESOL programing, please contact Manlio Mendez at mmendez@noahcdc.org or 617- 418-8242.
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NOAH’s bilingual Homebuyer Services and Financial Capability workshops, classes, and client counseling remain accessible over Zoom, and the staffers continue to have various bilingual virtual speakers from financial institutions and other companies to provide expert advice to workshop and course attendees.
First-Time Homebuyer
First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) classes continue to cover everything anyone might need to know about buying a first home including addressing unique challenges presented by COVID-19. Through 2021, over 470 individuals graduated from NOAH's bilingual online homebuyer courses. NOAH offers Online Classes & Live Zoom Classes, both in English and Spanish. To view upcoming FTHB class dates and learn more about registering please scroll down to the Upcoming Events section of our newsletter.
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Financial Capability
In 2022, NOAH's Financial Capability program will be running a series of courses, each designed to give the attendee the knowledge, skills, and tools to feel confident in their financial decision-making skills. Offered in both Spanish and English, the first class is scheduled for January 25, and the series will run throughout the year. Be sure to scroll down and check out the Upcoming Events section of our newsletter for all the details. And, did you know we also offer free individual financial counseling? You do not need to attend a class to sign up; simply email us at: nkallab@noahcdc.org and we will send you the details! Over the past year, NOAH's Financial Capability program has provided free education/counseling to 166 individuals in establishing financial goals, budgeting, credit, and more.
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Foreclosure Prevention Services
Due to the moratorium on foreclosures, 2020 foreclosure petitions dropped some 72% in Massachusetts compared to 2019. However, since the moratorium lifted in 2021, our Foreclosure Prevention Services have seen a steady increase of individuals at risk of losing their homes. NOAH's Foreclosure Prevention Program has a focus on assisting consumers who are in imminent default and in danger of losing their homes, and offers homeowners help in understanding their options and determining the best and most affordable solutions based on their own personal financial situations. Since this service line began in 2007, NOAH has helped well over 3,000 families avoid foreclosure. NOAH coordinates the bilingual North Shore Partnership Regional Foreclosure Education Center programming and serves as the MA AGO LCAF for foreclosure prevention.
If you have any questions about the Homebuyer Services Department programming, please contact Diana Franco at 617-418-8266 or dianaf@noahcdc.org.
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Property Management team has continued to work hard to keep all NOAH housing units safe and to assist our tenants. Throughout the pandemic, Property Management has worked with tenants to submit applications for rental assistance and provided food relief to in-need households, and the team remains dedicated to insuring a safe environment for residents and their families. In 2021, by December, 144 NOAH tenants had tested positive for COVID-19 and 214 households had reported losing income in the past 11 months. During that time, staff were able to help 38 individuals in filing for unemployment benefits and 214 residents in applying for rental relief assistance. Property Management also gave out food gift cards to 245 households and grocery gift boxes to 152 tenant families.
For the safety of both our clients and staff, NOAH's office remains closed to in-person visits. If you have any questions, please contact Carlos Grajales-Thrall at 617-418-8247 or email propertymanagement@noahcdc.org.
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GREAT 2021 SUPPORTERS!
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NOAH would like to say THANK YOU to all our wonderful recent funders for their support:
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AAF CPAs, Alfred E. Chase Charity Foundation Bank of America N.A. Trustee, Allen Family Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Anonymous, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Paul & Edith Babson Foundation, BlueHub Capital, Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, Lawrence Braman, Brian Gregory, Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, Bushrod Campbell & Adah Hall Charity Fund, Capital One Charitable, Jervin Chang, The City of Boston, Citizens Bank, Greg Comeau, the Cummings Foundation, Lauren DeMayo, Madeleine Devlin, Robert S. Dorfman, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, East Boston Savings Bank Foundation, EBNHC, English for New Bostonians, Fidelity Charitable, Rose M. Fiore, HarborOne Foundation, Hackett Feinberg P.C., Harvard Memorial Church, Richard High & Ann Perkins, HYM Investment, Joy Street Design, Klein Hornig LLP, George & Carolyn Koehler, Susan Koffman & Thomas Cooper, David Koven & Diane Gordon, Michael & Hale Lake, David Lank/Sharpe Venture Group, the David Lank & Marc Savatsky Special Fundraising Campaigns, Adrian Madaro, Mass. Attorney General’s Office, Mass. Division of Banks, Mass. Mortgage Bankers, Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, Narrow Gate Architecture LTD, Needham Bank, NeighborWorks America, Network for Good, Karen Otto, PCA Foundation, Peabody Properties, Pentecostal Tabernacle, People’s United Community Foundation, Perry Wood Family Trust, Pulte Mortgage, Resolution Architects, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Rockland Trust - Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Sailors’ Snug Harbor of Boston, Santander Bank Foundation, Marc Savatsky and Jessie Franco, Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Smolak & Vaughn LLP, Mary Stevens, Mark Thatcher, TD Charitable Foundation, United Way of Mass. Bay & Merrimack Valley, Robert Wegener, Webster Bank, and the Wickman Family Foundation
NOAH would also like to extend a special thank you to: Citizens Bank, which awarded NOAH another large Financial Literacy grant award this year; Cambridge Savings Bank for two generous donations in 2021; the Cummings Foundation for a $100,000 award over two years in support of the Homelessness Prevention project; and to TD Charitable Foundation, who awarded NOAH a $125,000 grant as part of their 15th Annual 'Housing For Everyone" grant program.
And, as always, a great big THANK YOU to long-time funding partners NeighborWorks America and United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley!
With our generous supporters, we are able to continue to create and maintain more sustainable neighborhoods, community services and affordable housing opportunities than ever before.
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LARRY BRAMAN
Larry Braman, early supporter, former board member, and great friend of NOAH, passed away peacefully in December 2021.
Larry, who was an East Boston resident for almost three decades, chose to spend his life improving the world for others, and held a successful career focused largely on affordable housing and community development. Larry was a kind and gentle man whose intelligence was often revealed in his sharp wit. He will be greatly missed.
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FINANCIAL CAPABILITY
This year, we are offering multiple Financial Capability workshops, each focused on a different aspect of Financial Capability. Due to COVID-19, all classes are currently online through ZOOM. Instructions to join the class will be sent out after sign up.
ESTABLEZCA SUS METAS FINANCIERAS PARA EL 2022
SETTING YOUR MONEY GOALS FOR 2022
Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Register Here
You can also sign up for a free, personalized, financial coaching session with one of our Financial Coaches to analyze your finances and reach your goals.
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Learn from experienced industry guest speakers, including home inspectors, loan officers, insurance agents, and real estate attorneys, as well as NOAH HUD-certified counselors. For any questions about the Homebuyer Services Department, please contact Director Diana Franco at 617-418-8266 or dianaf@noahcdc.org.
Sign up for First-Time Homebuyers classes HERE
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER CLASS – January 22 & 23, 2022
Saturday, January 22 (Part I) 9:00am - 1:30pm
Sunday, January 23 (Part II) 9:00am - 1:30pm
CURSO DE PRIMEROS COMPRADORES – 25 & 26 de Enero 2022
Martes, 25 de Enero 9:00am - 1:30pm (Parte 1)
Miércoles, 26 de Enero 9:00am – 1:30pm (Parte 2)
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER CLASS – February 8 & 9 2022
Tuesday, February 8 (Part I) 9:00am - 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 9 (Part II) 9:00am - 1:30pm
CURSO DE PRIMEROS COMPRADORES – 12 & 13 de Febrero 2022
Sábado, 12 de Febrero 9:00am - 1:30pm (Parte 1)
Domingo, 13 de Febrero, 2022 9:00am – 1:30pm (Parte 2)
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Thank you for your interest in NOAH! You can find out more information on our website at www.noahcdc.org.
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