On May 20, MHSA supporters gathered at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston to celebrate MHSA’s 12th Annual Spring Fundraising Event, Home for Good: Solutions Start Here. Special Guest Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito shared remarks at the event, which honored Joseph V. Roller II of Cambridge Trust Company, Linda Wood-Boyle of HomeStart and the MHSA Board of Directors, and Bentley University’s Service-Learning Center.
MHSA Board Chair Dean Atkins of NorthBridge CRE Advisors opened the evening by introducing Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who spoke about the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to ending homelessness in the Commonwealth. “You need a stable place to live. You need a safe place to live,” Lieutenant Governor Polito remarked, stressing the importance of stable housing and wraparound services. In addition to highlighting the Administration’s focus on responding to the opioid crisis, Lieutenant Governor Polito spoke about the importance of public-private partnerships to address homelessness in communities across Massachusetts.
MHSA President & Executive Director Joe Finn, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and MHSA Board Chair Dean Atkins
MHSA President & Executive Director Joe Finn presented the first award of the evening, the Bob Ray Partnership Award, to Bentley University’s Service-Learning Center, represented by Dr. Jonathan White. Named in honor of the late Bob Ray, whose family was in attendance, the award recognized the Service-Learning Center’s commitment to partnering with social service organizations to bring business principles to the nonprofit sector. In his acceptance remarks, Dr. White shared a spoken word piece about the importance of not “walking on by” the people experiencing homelessness in our communities.
Joe Finn presents the Bob Ray Partnership Award to Dr. Jonathan White, representing Bentley University’s Service-Learning Center
Linda Wood-Boyle of HomeStart and the MHSA Board of Directors received the second award of the evening, the Cornerstone Award, for her dedication to innovation and to ending homelessness through permanent supportive housing. Linda thanked HomeStart staff for their tireless work, and she spoke about her passion for MHSA’s mission of changing the status quo by advocating for permanent solutions to homelessness.
Honoree Linda Wood-Boyle with HomeStart staff and supporters
Joe Finn presented the final award of the evening, the William Lloyd Garrison Lifetime Achievement Award, to Joseph V. Roller II in honor of his commitment to true community service and to serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Drawing on a concept from Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, Joe Roller reflected on MHSA’s ability to create opportunities for “meaningful collisions” between public and private stakeholders, resulting in innovative partnerships to end homelessness.
Joe Finn and Honoree Joseph V. Roller II of Cambridge Trust Company
MHSA wishes to express our gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Polito, the Honorees, the Event Honorary Committee, the MHSA Board and Advisory Council, and all of our event sponsors and attendees. Your support enables us to continue to revolutionize how we address homelessness in Massachusetts.
Special thanks to Raise the Roof Sponsor Eastern Bank, Open the Door Sponsor HomeStart, and Turn the Key Sponsors Atlantic Retail Properties and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.
We would also like extend our thanks to Jasmine Yotsugi and her jazz trio for sharing beautiful music throughout the evening. Finally, we are grateful to Hannah Cohen Photography for documenting the evening – visit the MHSA Facebook page to view the photos!