For Immediate Release
May 18, 2023
Media Contact
Sandi Goldfarb, Rasky Partners
Sgoldfarb@rasky.com, 617.391.9653
Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance Honors Three Leaders Working to End Homelessness
House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Real Estate Entrepreneur James D’Amico Jr. And Dr. Danna Mauch Recognized at MHSA’s Event
May 18, 2023 (Boston, MA) – Three leaders in the efforts to end homelessness were recently honored by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) at its annual Home for Good fundraiser and award ceremony at WBUR’s CitySpace on Thursday, May 11. During the Home for Good 2023 event, MHSA recognized Representative Aaron Michlewitz, House Ways & Means Chair (Democrat – 3rd Suffolk District), real estate entrepreneur James V. D’Amico Jr. of Century 21 North East and NewFed Mortgage, and Dr. Danna Mauch, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH), for their efforts to end homelessness in the Commonwealth.
- House Ways & Means Chair, Representative Aaron Michlewitz was the recipient of the Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Servant Award. Chair Michlewitz was born, raised and lives in Boston’s historic North End, part of the district he proudly represents today. A graduate of Northeastern University, Chair Michlewitz is widely recognized as an active and engaged ally of those experiencing homelessness and a strong partner of the nonprofit community organizations that serve this vulnerable population. Like Canon Kelley, Chair Michlewitz has worked tirelessly to create a more just and equitable Commonwealth.
- James V. D’Amico, Jr. received the Bob Ray Partnership Award which recognizes people who apply business principles to ending homelessness. first joined forces with MHSA in 2008 with the launch of its permanent supportive housing program, Journey to Success, which sought out landlords in Chelsea and Revere to lease apartments to MHSA for individuals with disabling conditions experiencing long-term homelessness. He recently has worked in partnership with MHSA and Bay Cove Human Services to renovate his property in Chelsea to provide expanded and improved permanent housing and supportive services.
- Danna Mauch, Ph.D., was presented with the Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award, which acknowledges people and organizations working to provide innovative alternatives to homelessness. Dr. Mauch is dedicated to the MAMH mission – eliminating stigma and discrimination to ensure full social, economic, and political inclusion for people at risk for or living with behavioral health conditions. Her advocacy has resulted in housing resources and services for those coping with mental illness, resulting in fewer people falling into homelessness. By focusing on best practices in housing, she has helped create safe havens for those experiencing homelessness.
“Our 2023 honorees have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us,” said Joyce Tavon, MHSA Chief Executive Officer. “Their commitment to social justice, equity, and innovation in housing is unwavering. We value their persistence and their partnership and recognize Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Danna Mauch, and Jim D’Amico for their service.”
For more information on the event and award recipients, please visit Home for Good 2023.
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ABOUT MHSA
The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Massachusetts. MHSA focuses on evidence-based solutions that reduce public reliance on emergency resources and prioritize access to stable housing and individualized support services. MHSA draws on the on-the-ground experience of nearly 100 member agencies from across Massachusetts. MHSA’s unique position as an intermediary between public agencies and homeless service providers enables it to create solutions to homelessness that have the greatest impact. For more information, please visit www.mhsa.net.