Home for Good 2023 Honoree – James V. D’Amico, Jr.

James V. D’Amico, Jr. of Century 21 North East and NewFed Mortgage to be Honored with the Bob Ray Partnership Award

The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance is pleased to announce the 2023 recipient of the Bob Ray Partnership Award: James V. D’Amico, Jr. of Century 21 North East and NewFed Mortgage.

The Bob Ray Partnership Award recognizes businesspeople who demonstrate that businesses can contribute to the effort to end homelessness.

Jim D’Amico’s partnership with MHSA began in 2008 when MHSA’s new permanent supportive housing program, Journey to Success (JTS), was launched. JTS relied on finding landlords with available units in Chelsea and Revere who would be willing to lease apartments to MHSA to house individuals who had disabling conditions and who were experiencing long-term homelessness. While many landlords said “No” Jim said “YES.” When Jim purchased the Chelsea YMCA in 2017, he honored the long-time lease MHSA had with the former property owner, and – in partnership with MHSA and Bay Cove Human Services – renovated and dedicated the property to serving people in Chelsea who were experiencing homelessness by providing them with permanent housing and supportive services.

James V. D’Amico, Jr. was born and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He began buying property at age 17 and credits his father for guiding him into the real estate business. Jim learned carpentry at Boston Trade School and began framing houses while he attended night school at Wentworth Institute to obtain his City of Boston builder’s license. When he saved up $3,000, he purchased six homes with $500 down payment on each and rented them out. His passion for real estate took off from there.

Jim purchased many properties over the years, including some that he rehabilitated and then sold. Some of his most notable properties include: The Railroad Depot in Reading, The Chelsea Russian Club, which he converted to four residential units, The Lynnfield Church on Route 1, and the former Carmel Credit Union in Chelsea where he has his office to this day. In 2017, Jim purchased the Chelsea YMCA where he feels he has done his best work to date.

After many years of being a solo property owner, Jim helped his children start their careers in ownership in real estate related industries. His son Jim III purchased the Century 21 franchise in Chelsea in 1994. Today, Century 21 North East is one of the largest Century 21 Real Estate franchises in the country with 50 locations in 10 states and over 1,200 agents. Jim’s son Brian is the Owner/CEO of NewFed Mortgage, which employs over 100 loan officers and is licensed in 15 states. Jim’s daughter Lauren owns and operates NewFed Insurance and is also a Supplier Diversity Office certified Women Owned Business with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Jim’s commitment to real estate is tied to his belief in helping people in the community. He finds it rewarding to help people find a home that fits their needs and provides them with a place to make memories. Jim received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Chelsea in 2012. Jim and his wife Jean have been married for 53 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.