On May 7, more than 200 MHSA supporters gathered at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston to celebrate MHSA’s 11th annual fundraising event, Home for Good: Solutions Start Here. Event attendees mingled with old and new friends while enjoying hearty hors d’oeuvres and wine. Funds raised at the event support MHSA’s continued efforts to revolutionize the way homelessness is addressed in Massachusetts.
Andrew McCawley of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans received the first award of the evening, the Cornerstone Award, for his use of innovation and collaboration to provide housing and services to homeless veterans. Andy was introduced by Secretary Coleman Nee of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. Secretary Nee highlighted Andy’s tireless work to implement Housing First programs at NECHV.
Honoree Andrew McCawley and Secretary Coleman Nee
Deborah De Santis of Corporation for Supportive Housing received the Bob Ray Partnership Award for her commitment to promoting the development of low-threshold permanent supportive housing across the nation. The award is named in honor of the late Bob Ray, and the Ray family was present for the award presentation. In her acceptance remarks, Deb described the challenge – and the necessity – of bringing permanent housing to scale.
Joe Finn and Honoree Deborah De Santis with Sandra Ray and Stephanie Eckersley-Ray
The evening’s final honoree, Thomas L. Collins, received the William Lloyd Garrison Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless efforts as a MHSA Board member and for nearly 30 years of volunteer commitment to ending homelessness. Tom recently retired from Cushman & Wakefield and continues to serve on the MHSA Board of Directors. Marc Margulies of Margulies Perruzzi Architects highlighted Tom’s “limitless generosity” in his introduction, and Tom encouraged event attendees to prioritize ending homelessness by supporting MHSA.
Marc Margulies (right) and Joe Finn present Thomas Collins with William Lloyd Garrison Lifetime Achievement Award
The program included a video about MHSA’s impact on efforts to end homelessness in Massachusetts. MHSA President & Executive Director Joe Finn followed the video with a reminder to reflect on the times we have failed to meet the needs of vulnerable homeless individuals, stressing: “We simply are not finished.”
MHSA wishes to express our gratitude to the Event Honorary Committee, the MHSA Board and Advisory Council, and all of our event sponsors and attendees. We also extend our thanks to Hannah Cohen Photography for documenting the evening and to Jasmine Yotsugi and her jazz trio for providing the evening’s entertainment.
Amanda Hyman and MHSA Board Member Wilton Hyman of New England Law Boston enjoy the evening
Elizabeth Doyle of the City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development and Anna Bissonnette of the MHSA Board of Directors
Watch the MHSA video or view photos from the event!
Special thanks to this year’s Raise the Roof sponsor, Eastern Bank!