MAYOR MICHELLE WU, GOVERNOR CHARLIE BAKER, BEACON COMPANIES, THE MT. VERNON COMPANY, AND THE PINE STREET INN CELEBRATE THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR 140 CLARENDON STREET

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, GOVERNOR CHARLIE BAKER, BEACON COMPANIES, THE MT. VERNON COMPANY, AND THE PINE STREET INN CELEBRATE THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR 140 CLARENDON STREET  The redevelopment of the historic YWCA building will create 210 units of affordable housing in the Back Bay including dedicated units for formerly homeless individuals

 

 

BOSTON - Thursday, December 9, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu joined Governor Charlie Baker, Beacon Companies CEO Dara Kovel, the President & CEO of The Pine Street Inn Lydia Downie, and local elected officials to break ground on 140 Clarendon Street, a redevelopment project that will create 210 units of affordable housing at Boston’s historic Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) building, located at the intersection of Clarendon and Stuart Streets in Back Bay. With the partnership of homeless services provider Pine Street Inn, 111 of the units will become supportive housing for people exiting homelessness.     “Housing stability must be the foundation of our recovery,” said Mayor Wu. “Today’s groundbreaking shows what’s possible when we collaborate across different sectors and levels of government to create much-needed affordable housing in our neighborhoods. This project will provide much-needed housing and services for residents experiencing homelessness.”   When the renovation is complete, the development will create 210 units of affordable apartments, of which 111 apartments will be reserved for people who are currently experiencing homelessness, and 99 apartments will be for residents with incomes significantly below the area median income. The housing set aside for formerly homeless individuals will come with supportive services provided by the Pine Street Inn.    The Boston Housing Authority is providing Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to all the units in the new development. Project-Based Vouchers subsidize the units and allow low-income families to afford units that would otherwise be too expensive for them. The vouchers represent a $6.3 million annual subsidy that will ensure that these vulnerable residents can be stably housed for years to come.   The Boston YWCA Building was constructed between 1927-1929 and has served as the YWCA’s headquarters for nearly a hundred years. In addition to housing, offices for Beacon Residential Management will occupy space on the first floor of the building. All the other cultural and educational organizations currently in the building, including the Lyric Stage Theatre Company, the Snowden School, a City of Boston charter school, Viga Restaurant, Honovan Tailor, the Resource Connection, and the YWCA’s offices will remain.     “This project is a great example of public and private partners coming together to deliver a unique asset to the neighborhood by maintaining a cultural institution and providing a solution to homelessness: housing with services for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to support Beacon Communities and Pine Street Inn on this dynamic project that will benefit hundreds, and we are eager to continue working with local partners to create new housing and pursue innovative projects across the state to meet the diverse needs of our Commonwealth.”   Beacon Communities, in partnership with Mount Vernon Company, will own the new development. It will be managed by Beacon Residential Management Limited Partnership. The re-development expands affordable housing in a high-cost neighborhood. Through a service partnership with the Pine Street Inn, the resulting community will comprise one of the largest supportive housing communities in Boston.     “The Mount Vernon Company was instrumental in securing and reimagining this important property as supportive housing for Boston’s most vulnerable”, said Bruce A. Percelay, Chairman of Mount Vernon Company. “As a Boston resident and business owner, I see the need for this type of housing every day. 140 Clarendon Street is a victory for all of Boston's residents as we work to make sure that everyone living here has a home and the services they need to succeed. We were proud to be a part of building this new community." “We have truly appreciated the collaboration of our public and private partners, keeping the focus on advancing the City and State’s housing policies with thoughtful and creative problem-solving to help us bring this project together,” said Dara Kovel, Beacon CEO. “We are so excited about our partnership with Pine Street Inn, which is the first of its kind on this scale.”   “Pine Street Inn is thrilled to partner with Beacon Communities to provide permanent housing for over one hundred individuals experiencing chronic homelessness,” said Pine Street Inn President & Executive Director Lyndia Downie. “This partnership is a huge step forward in our efforts to provide every person with a safe, stable place to live, ensure they receive the services they need, and ultimately end homelessness in Boston.”   In 2003-2006, the YWCA undertook a major rehabilitation of the property and created 79 affordable single room occupancy (SRO) and one-bedroom apartments, 39 market-rate apartments, and a 66-room budget hotel. In honoring that legacy of the building, the Pine Street Inn and the Beacon Companies will now use the property to continue serving those in need. Deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice and serving others, these two organizations joined together to combine Beacon Communities housing development expertise with the Pine Street Inn’s well-known track record for providing extensive support services to homeless individuals. This innovative partnership was created with the help of funding from the State of Massachusetts and the City of Boston.    “They say that it takes a village, and that is certainly the case at 140 Clarendon Street. This project combines federal subsidies provided by BHA, services, and management provided by community-based nonprofits, and development funding provided by the state, the City of Boston, and the private sector. It’s an incredible group of partners,” said BHA Administrator Kate Bennett. “Most importantly, this redevelopment effort will give hundreds of families a safe and affordable place to live in the Back Bay neighborhood.”   Financing for 140 Clarendon includes $6,000,000 of funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development; MassHousing is providing a $37.2 million permanent loan, a $20.3 million bridge loan, and $500,000 in Capital Magnet Fund financing; the City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development is providing $8,039,955 of funding; Bank of America is providing a Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credit equity in the amount of $43,975,833; and the Commonwealth is providing $23,575,000 of State Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity.   "MassHousing is excited about the 210 households who will soon have quality, affordable rental homes in the heart of the Back Bay," said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. "This collaborative effort between Beacon Communities and all the project partners will not only breathe new life into this historic building but will create housing stability for all those who will call 140 Clarendon home." “Affordable housing development is a team sport, and the cooperation and dedication to make this project happen is an incredible testament to the strong affordable housing ecosystem in Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Today’s project is the result of creative strategies to provide vital services to the most vulnerable among us, and I’m excited we can support this innovative approach that furthers our efforts to combat homelessness and address our lack of affordable, supportive housing that is needed to help people succeed across Massachusetts.” The rehabilitation of the building will be completed to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation and the development is utilizing Federal Historic Tax Credits. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024.    About the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND)  The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing people experiencing homelessness, creating and preserving affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can obtain, maintain, and remain in safe, stable housing. The department develops and implements the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention plans and collaborates with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with lower incomes. For more information, please visit the DND website.   About the Boston Housing Authority   The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that provides subsidized housing to low and moderate-income individuals and families. In addition to conventional public housing communities throughout Boston, BHA offers rental assistance programs. BHA receives federal and state funding to provide housing programs to individuals and families. BHA’s mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability, and to create living environments that serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency.   ###

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Encourage Residents ages 16 and 17 to get Pfizer COVID-19 Booster

 Massachusetts Public Health Officials Encourage Residents ages 16 and 17 to get Pfizer COVID-19 Booster

BOSTON (December 10, 2021) — Following newly updated recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health today announced that all adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able get their Pfizer COVID booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.

Adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster from more than 500 locations in Massachusetts including at retail pharmacies, primary care practices, regional collaboratives, local boards of health, community health centers, hospital systems, state-supported vaccination sites and mobile clinics.

Options for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

1. Parents who prefer to have their adolescent vaccinated by their primary care provider should call their provider’s office directly.
2. Visit the VaxFinder website at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of available locations. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering the Pfizer COVID booster.
3. For individuals unable to use VaxFinder, or who have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Visit www.mass.gov/covid19booster for more information or visit the CDC website here.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a vaccine and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a vaccine.  

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration, including adolescent vaccination. Over 91% of residents ages 5+ have received at least one dose, and 96% of adults (18+) have received at least one dose. Over 4.9 million individuals, 71% of the population, are fully vaccinated.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS TO REDUCE VEHICLE EMISSIONS

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS TO REDUCE VEHICLE EMISSIONS  Additional resources for electric vehicle access, charging infrastructure and a more sustainable City fleet reinforces the Wu Administration’s commitment to a city Green New Deal

 

BOSTON - Friday, December 10, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced several new steps to reduce vehicle emissions by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and other low-emission transportation options in Boston. The steps were announced at a December 10 hearing of the City Council Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks on Docket #1044, sponsored by Councilors Matt O’Malley and Ed Flynn. The Mayor announced a new Fleet Utilization Policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the City's vehicle fleet, as well as expanded access to electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and EV car share programs. These actions support the City’s carbon neutrality goals and expand upon Boston's Zero Emission Vehicles Roadmap, which outlines pathways to provide publicly available EV charging stations or EV car share options within a 10-minute walk of every household in Boston by 2030. In tandem, these steps support widespread adoption of electrification, help ensure affordable, convenient access to charging, and accelerate the electrification of the municipal fleet. “We need urgent action to drive down vehicle emissions and protect the health of our communities,” said Mayor Wu. “These steps will contribute to cleaner air and lower emissions, advancing Boston’s efforts to become a Green New Deal city.”  “With federal investments in electric vehicle charging stations, proposed legislation on increasing tax credits for purchasing EVs, and our automakers shifting their focus to electric vehicles - it is critical for us to ensure that the City of Boston has the infrastructure in place to meet future demand,” said Councilor Flynn. “I want to thank Councilor O’Malley for his partnership, and Mayor Wu and her Administration for taking steps to accelerate the transition of our municipal fleet and increasing Boston’s public charging infrastructure to ensure that we reach our carbon neutrality goals, and do our part to combat pollution, climate change and sea level rise.” “I am thrilled to see the implementation of the new Fleet Utilization Policy, which furthers the City's net-zero carbon goals, making Boston a cleaner and healthier city,” said Chair of the Environment, Resiliency and Parks Committee Matt O'Malley. "By addressing our vehicle emissions through expanding electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and adopting an efficient municipal fleet, the City of Boston is leading by example and creating more access for more sustainable vehicle options." The City of Boston maintains 1,200 vehicles in its fleet, not including school buses and public safety vehicles, to support departmental needs and the effective delivery of services to its residents. Forward-looking fleet management is crucial to support City operations while meeting the emissions reduction goals laid out in the City’s Climate Action Plan. The new Fleet Utilization Policy will increase City workers’ use of shared rather than individual vehicles, reduce unnecessary vehicle purchases, and accelerate the electrification of light-duty vehicles. Right-sizing the municipal fleet and transitioning to electric or other clean vehicle technologies can mitigate approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions from Boston’s municipal operations. Mayor Wu is taking additional steps to create convenient, environmentally-friendly transportation options by expanding the City of Boston’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure in municipal lots. An additional 28 publicly accessible EV charging plugs will be installed in Nubian Square, Mattapan Square, Uphams Corner, and South Boston in January 2022, and 50 more will be installed throughout 2022.  Recently, the City of Boston partnered with Nuestra Comunidad and E4TheFuture to launch Good2Go, a community-based EV car share service in Roxbury. This recent expansion adds four additional EVs to the Nubian Square area. It provides clean and convenient personal transit options for area residents, with a focus on equity and affordability for low-income residents. Qualifying residents pay as little as $5 per hour, making this an affordable transportation option that reduces carbon emissions and facilitates a car-free lifestyle. Together, these three steps align with Go Boston 2030, the City’s transportation plan to create accessible, sustainable transportation options for all Boston residents.  “Switching our vehicles from gas-powered to electric is a critical component of ensuring our streets are healthy and sustainable while helping us achieve our carbon neutrality goals,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “This is an exciting option for the City of Boston to ensure that our employees and residents have access to vehicles that better align with our environmental goals.”  "The City of Boston is always looking for innovative solutions to provide safe, clean and reliable transportation to our workforce," stated Public Works Director of Fleet Maintenance, Bill Coughlin. "We're excited to expand our electric fleet and charging infrastructure, and we remain committed to cost-reducing, green technology that improves air quality and reduces emissions."  “The installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure will provide additional options for our residents to get to where they are going in an environmentally friendly and convenient way,” said Boston Transportation Department Interim Commissioner Bradley Gerratt. “We are looking forward to expanding this program in all of the city’s neighborhoods.”     Transportation accounts for nearly a third of Boston's total greenhouse gas emissions, 65 percent of which comes from personal vehicles. These initiatives expand upon the Wu Administration’s commitment to a city Green New Deal and equitable access to transportation. Last week, the City Council voted in favor of Mayor Wu’s proposed appropriation order for $8 million in federal funds to eliminate fares on the 23, 28 and 29 MBTA bus routes for a two-year period. Mayor Wu also signed her first ordinance to divest City funds from the fossil fuel, tobacco and private prison industries.

MAYOR WU CALLS FOR APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND CARE FOR NEW TRANSITIONAL HOUSING SITES

MAYOR WU CALLS FOR APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND CARE FOR NEW TRANSITIONAL HOUSING SITES  As part of the Wu administration’s work to address urgent public health needs in the Mass/Cass neighborhood, the City of Boston is supporting organizations who are providing emergency housing and medical services across Boston by recruiting healthcare and human services professionals

 

BOSTON - Friday, December 10, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today opened a resume submission portal for healthcare and human services professionals interested in providing services for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, or mental health challenges. All submitted resumes will go to the organizations who have partnered with the City of Boston on an initiative to scale up transitional housing sites this winter. “The intersecting crises concentrated at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard must be tackled with a public health-led approach—one administered by care professionals who understand the supports, services, and urgency needed in this moment. We are committed to using every resource this City has to ensure people receive the highest quality of care,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City of Boston is working with urgency to create safe, transitional supportive housing where individuals can connect with medical care and pathways to permanent supportive housing. To make these sites possible, our partners are seeking committed individuals to join their staff,” said Senior Advisor Dr. Monica Bharel.  Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more individuals are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges in the Mass/Cass area of Boston. Mayor Wu has charged her administration with responding to the emergency need for housing by identifying new low-threshold supportive housing sites across the city with comprehensive wrap-around services. This emergency response will lead into the next phase of the administration's approach, which will focus on improving regional pathways into housing and substance use and mental health treatment. To operationalize the emergency housing placements, the partner organizations leading this initiative are seeking to hire several levels of staff. This includes supervisory staff, milieu staff (guest services, recovery advocates, floor staff), security staff, recovery coaches and health care professionals (including nurses). There is a particular need for overnight staff. Individuals with experience working with people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health through a client centered and harm reduction approach are highly encouraged to apply, as are individuals with direct experience serving women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and communities who have historically faced barriers to health care. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their materials to this form by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 16. If you are interested in working for the partner organizations involved in this initiative, please submit your application at this submission portal. If you would like to mail, email, or drop off your resume at City Hall please use this paper application and follow the instructions outlined. Please note that resume submissions are not for employment at City Hall, but for vital roles at the partnering organizations. For any questions about this request for resumes, your principal point of contact with the City will be: NAME: Emily Romero Gonzalez EMAIL: emily.romerogonzalez@boston.gov NUMBER: (617) 635 - 5918

City of Boston funding update

 

The Funding Update

FEDERAL GRANTS Federal Transit Administration, 1/11/2022 Enhancing Mobility Innovation grants support emerging technologies and strategies in: 1)innovations that improve rider mobility and experience through new service delivery models, financing, partnerships, and integrated payment solutions; and 2) software solutions that facilitate the deployment of integrated demand-response public transportation services. There is $2 million in total program funding for awards ranging from $250,000 to $1M, with a 20 percent non-federal cost share.  Social Security Administration+Boston College Center for Retirement Research, 1/31/2022 Up to 3 Dissertation Fellowships ($28,000) Program in the field of retirement or disability research will be awarded. Undergraduate fellowships and scholarship grants are also available. National Endowment for the Arts, 2/10/2022 Grants for Arts Projects support public engagement with, and access to, various forms of art across the nation, the creation of art, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life. Restrictions apply. Awards range from $10,000 to $150,000. National Endowment for the Humanities, 2/22/2022 Landmarks of American History and Culture grants supportK-12 humanities instruction projects. NEH expects to award up to 13 grants of $190,000 max.  National Science Foundation, 3/1/2022 Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks projects are intended to develop a predictive understanding of how key properties of living systems emerge from interactions of factors such as genomes, phenotypes, and environments and how emerging networks of organismal, natural, social, and/or human-engineered systems respond to or influence evolving environments. Budgets: up to $3M for 5 years max. National Science Foundation, 3/2/2022 Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier: Core Research projects will describe multi-disciplinary or convergent research that addresses technological, human, and societal dimensions of future work. Technological innovations should be integrated with advances in behavioral science, computer science, economic science, engineering, learning sciences, research on adult learning and workforce training, and the social sciences. Proposals that address the impact of large-scale disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic on the future of jobs and work are also encouraged. Budgets: $150,000 to $4M. National Endowment for the Arts, 4/21/2022 Challenge America grants primarily support small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to populations that are underserved. Restrictions apply. Max award: $10,000. Forecast: Employment and Training Administration Funding guidelines are currently being developed for 1) Apprenticeship Building America, to be posted around 1/13/2022. ETA expects to make 25 awards ranging from $1M to $8M. 2) Workforce Pathways for Youth, to be posted around 1/24/2022. ETA expects to make 5 awards, at $2.5M max. 3) Strengthening Community Colleges, to be posted around 1/31/2022. ETA expects to make 15 grants, ranging from $1.5M to $5M. 4) Pathway Home, to be posted around 2/8/2022. ETA expects to make 15 grants, at $4M max. Federal funding opportunities are continuously updated here STATE GRANTS Department of Youth Services, 3/1/2022 Seeking proposals from vocational and higher education, unions, businesses, nonprofit and community based organizations for career, technical, workforce training and employment programs and services for DYS youth in residential and community settings. Department of Public Health, through 6/30/2024 BASAS seeks Opioid Treatment Programs, including mobile services. New This Week: Division of Agricultural Resources, 12/30/2021 Urban Agriculture grants (Round 2) will support projects that will advance urban food production in the Commonwealth. Requests over $15,000 require matching funds. Grants must be expended by 6/30/22. Health Resources in Action + Commonwealth of MA, 1/7/2022 MA COVID-19 Community Grants will support education and awareness of vaccination efforts, and also work to reduce COVID-19 infections, morbidity, and mortality in cities and towns that are hardest-hit by the pandemic. Max award: $50,000. MBTA, 1/10/2022 Seeking proposals for PeopleSoft professional services for capital projects advancement. Check the “Other Resources” column on CommBUYS for Newly Posted Bids. CITY GRANTS Boston Public Schools, 12/13/2021 Requests proposals for External Fiscal Agent for Boston Public Autonomous Schools. Supplier Portal EVENT ID:EV00010080. Public Works Department, 12/13/2021 Requests proposals for Asset Management for Pavement, Roadway, and Sidewalk Infrastructure in the City of Boston. Applicants must be Registered Engineers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Email rachel[dot]pierce[at]boston[dot]gov to request the RFP. Parks and Recreation Department, 1/7/2022 Requesting qualifications for designer services, including site analysis, design development plans, construction documents, cost estimates and construction observation, or master planning for improvements to ten parks. Boston Planning & Development Agency, 12/17/2021 and 1/5/2022 Seeking bids for a Benchmark Compensation Study, and also for Consultant Services for Equitable Procurement Technical Assistance Programming. Open Bids Boston Planning & Development Agency, 12/13/2021 Requesting proposals from consultants and/or consultant teams that have prior experience with delivering education and executive coaching to support underrepresented and marginalized vendors in building capacity and developing the knowledge and skills to competitively bid and perform on contracting opportunities with the BPDA and the City of Boston. Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, 12/17/2021 Requests proposals for a consultant for Indigenous Public Art & Cultural Spaces. Public Facilities Commission/Department of Neighborhood Development, 5/2/2022 The Grassroots Open Space Program makes land and funding available specifically for the development of open space projects such as community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and passive open space. Max award: $100,000. Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, 1/3/2023 The Small Business Unit requests proposals to provide technical assistance to small businesses in the City of Boston. Boston Public Schools, 12/13/2021 Seeking bids for a Facility Condition Assessment. Boston Parks & Recreation, 12/16/2021 Seeking bids for Food and Beverage Concessions at William Devine Golf Course.  Treasury, 12/21/2021 Invites qualified banking institutions having a physical presence in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to submit proposals to provide banking services on a fee-for-service basis. Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal. FOUNDATION GRANTS Schmidt Futures + Rhodes Trust, 12/22/2021 The Rise Challenge identifies youth between the ages of 15 and 17 who need opportunity, and supports them for life as they work to serve others. Program benefits include scholarships, mentorship, access to career development opportunities, and funding as Rise Global winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems. Literacy Opportunity Fund, 1/1/2022, 4/1/2022 & 7/1/2022 Grants ($3,000 to $6,000) support nonprofit adult literacy programs.  Youth Service America, 1/2/2022 Parents, caretakers, teachers and mentors 18+ years of age and older: Do you know a kid in 4th – 6th grade who has the power to come up with an amazing idea that could create change in their neighborhood, school, or even the country and the world? Nominate a kid and work with them to fill out an application for a Hillshire Farm Allowance Grant of $500. Parents and caregivers of grant recipients will receive Hillshire Farm products for a year. Bob Woodruff Foundation, 1/7/2022 & 6/1/2022 Funding focus: service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers. Priorities: 1) social determinants of health; 2) barriers to accessing healthcare; 3) access to programming that fosters a healthy lifestyle; and 4) opportunities for veterans to thrive after service. Burroughs Wellcome Fund, 1/10/2022 to 1/12/2022 The Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program will award grants of $60,000 over 3 years that support career development activities for underrepresented minority postdoctoral fellows whose training and professional development are guided by mentors committed to helping them advance in their careers. Also available: Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants. Impact Fund, 1/11/2022 Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are awarded to nonprofit legal service providers, private attorneys, and/or small law firms working to advance justice in the areas of civil rights, human rights, anti-poverty, and environmental justice cases that affect a marginalized group. The application process begins with a letter of interest. First Nations Development Institute, 1/13/2021 The Gather Food Sovereignty Grant program will support organizations working to build a national movement that will fulfill a vision of Native communities and food systems that are self-directed, well-resourced, and supported by community policies. This funding round will provide up to seven grants of approximately $32,000 for emerging projects that focus on developing Tribal food sovereignty.  Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, 1/13/2022 Requests proposals to help parents access appropriate and high-quality care that addresses the challenging mental health needs of their children. Max award: $50,000 per year for up to 2 years. JAMS Foundation + Association for Conflict Resolution, 1/14/2022 The focus of the 2022 funding cycle is on projects with the potential to increase adolescents’ capacity to engage in and respond constructively to these challenging times by providing them opportunities to be trained in and use conflict resolution skills. Max award: $40,000. Indian Arts Research Center, 1/15/2022 Three artist-in-residence fellowships are offered annually to advance the work of established and emerging Native American artists. Each fellowship includes a monthly stipend, housing, studio space, a supplies allowance, full access to the IARC collections, and travel reimbursement to and from the School for Advanced Research. Les Paul Foundation, 1/15/2022 Grants support projects that encourage innovation in music production and/or performance and to innovative STEM or STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations. Proposals for medical research related to curing tinnitus and other hearing impairment issues will also be considered. Santander Bank, 1/28/2022 Cultivate Small Business is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods build and sustain their businesses, with a focus on women-, minority- and immigrant-owned businesses in food-related industries. The program provides industry specific education, networks and mentoring as well as small capital grants for business owners. Boston applicants: if you have questions, contact ploy[at]commonwealthkitchen[dot]org. Classics for Kids Foundation, 1/31/2022 Matching grants support programs at schools and nonprofits that incorporate string instruments in their K-12 music education programs. International Association for Volunteer Effort, Open IAVE encourages you to complete this form if you are a volunteering organization that is authentically connected and providing coronavirus related volunteering for vulnerable population.Grants are one-time only, cash awards of under $500 for volunteer leadership organizations.  Bookmark for Future Use: Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions lists private foundation grant applications here.  Bank of America Charitable Foundation grants and sponsorships can be found here.  Check the Funding Update Archives for back issues with open deadlines. THE RESOURCE TABLE Use VaxFinder to Search for an Appointment for COVID-19 Vaccination! Massachusetts Service Alliance will release the 2022-2023 Commonwealth Corps Host Site Partner RFP in January 2022. Register here for Technical Assistance Webinar #1 (Pre-RFP release)  December 10, 2021, 10:00-11:30 am Register here for Technical Assistance Webinar #2 (Post-RFP release)   January 11, 2022, 10:00-11:30 am Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund Renewable, 4-year scholarships are offered to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others, a strong work ethic, and leadership qualities. High school graduates or current seniors and current college students who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Deadlines: 2/4/2022 and 5/2/2022.  CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

NATIONAL ACE COMMENDS LAUNCH OF WHIAANHPI AND EFFORTS TO DISAGGREGATE DATA ON AANHPIs

 NATIONAL ACE COMMENDS LAUNCH OF WHIAANHPI AND EFFORTS TO DISAGGREGATE DATA ON AANHPIs

[December 9, 2021, WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration relaunched the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) applauds the relaunch of the Initiative and the naming of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as co-chairs. Krystal Ka’ai, a longtime advocate for the AANHPI community, will lead the Initiative as its first Native Hawaiian Executive Director. 

“Our business community continues to face many challenges. AANHPI small business owners have battled both COVID-19 and a sharp spike in discrimination and violence. The relaunch of WHIAANHPI will play a significant role in protecting our community, allowing our small businesses to operate safely, and creating prosperity,” said National ACE CEO/President Chiling Tong. “Too often, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians are seen as a monolith. WHIAANHPI’s commitment to disaggregate data on AANHPIs will reveal the unmet needs of our community so we can find solutions. National ACE looks forward to working with WHIAANHPI to advance solutions that will help our economy move forward.”

The Initiative is designed to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States by connecting the AANHPI community to much-needed federal grants, programs, and resources. 

Asian American Communities Hail the Expansion Of Language Access For Limited English Proficient Voters, Call For Further Improvements

 Asian American Communities Hail the Expansion Of Language Access For Limited English Proficient Voters, Call For Further Improvements

Washington, D.C. — December 9, 2021 —The Census Bureau updated determinations pursuant to the federal Voting Rights Act, designating Section 203 covered jurisdictions where elections officials are required to provide bilingual voting assistance to Asian Americans, Latines, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliate organizations in California, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. issue a statement about the newly released determinations:

“The expansion of Section 203 coverage reflects the diversity and rapid growth of the Asian American community, which has for decades been the fastest growing racial group in the U.S. Asian Americans Advancing Justice welcome new language coverage, including two newly covered jurisdictions now in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, where translation of ballots and other election materials in Asian languages will be required for the first time. Section 203 now covers 53 jurisdictions in 32 localities in 14 states for 8 different Asian language groups.

Despite our population growth, Asian American communities continue to face disparities in voter registration and voter turn-out, but this is changing. Asian American voters are a notable part of an increased turn-out among voters of color. Improved language access, coverage, and compliance with Section 203 will help change disparities in voter participation. 

Charles Evans, Supervising Attorney at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles: “Section 203 enables the Asian American community to participate more fully in American democracy. Without these essential protections, millions would be unable to read or understand election materials and would be unable to vote. Studies show that 1 in 3 Asian Americans is limited English proficient, and that when language assistance is available, Asian American voters use such assistance to cast their ballots.” 

Terry Ao Minnis, Senior Director of Census and Voting Programs at Advancing Justice – AAJC: “We are ready to assist voters and elections officials, as Section 203 requirements are implemented across the country, in new and old covered jurisdictions in upcoming elections. The Voting Rights Act, inclusive of Section 203, provides legally enforceable rights to limited English proficient voters. We are also eager to work with local jurisdictions to find innovative ways to improve bilingual voter access.”

Julia Marks, Program Manager, Voting Rights and Census at Advancing Justice – ALC: “Even with the new Section 203 coverage, we can do better. Millions of voters with limited English proficiency and who may not live in dense population centers are out of luck. Their numbers may not meet the federal population threshold for Section 203 coverage, so we continue to call for solutions, including at the state and local level, that serve all residents.”

Grace Pai, Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago: “Advancing Justice urges all jurisdictions to take steps to ensure language access and justice for all voters, including LEP voters, in their communities. We encourage states, counties, and localities to take the initiative necessary to do what is right in serving their populations. For example, Cook County, IL has passed its own ordinance to expand coverage; California has expanded coverage with its own statute CA 14201; and DeKalb County, GA and Cobb County, GA also voluntarily provided access to Asian language translation services recently.”

To assist voters and elections officials, Advancing Justice has produced a factsheet on the new Section 203 coverage and impact on Asian Americans. Voters who believe their rights have been violated or want more information can call 1-888-API-Vote (888-274-8683).

Section 203 determinations are made every five years based on American Community Survey data, an ongoing American population survey conducted by the Census Bureau.”

MBTA人手不足 將縮減巴士服務

           (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州灣區公路局 (MBTA) 8日宣佈，19日起麥特潘 (Mattapan)線服務將縮減，以因應員工人數流失多於新聘這情況。

                        MBTA總經理Steve Poftak表示，就像全美其他交通系統的情況一樣，MBT也面對著吸引人力以因應服務需求的挑站。MBTA有充足預算，當聘得，並培訓新巴士、火車駕駛後，就可恢復全面服務。該局也正在簡化朝聘過程，鼓勵有意者上網申請mbta.com/apply。

                       許多巴士都將縮減班次，大約每20班車縮減1班車，縮減時段多半都在平日的早上。

                    有幾條巴士路線本月稍後就開始實施冬季時刻營運。往來於Woodlawn的111號巴士將簡化服務，在Alewife和Bedford 退伍軍人醫院之間來回的62號及76號巴士，將恢復平日的尖峰時間營運。

                     MBTA在8日晚6點舉辦了一場公聽會，討論這些改變。查詢受影響路線，可上網mbta.com/servicechanges。