LATE SPRING 2007
A great success: Home for Good,  the fourth annual MHSA fundraising event

On May 16, 2007 close to 225 MHSA members, friends, supporters and public officials gathered at the Omni Parker House hotel for Home for Good, the fourth annual awards and fundraising event for the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA).  The evening featured a brief video presentation about Home and Healthy for Good, the statewide Housing First pilot program headed by MHSA.  Home and Healthy for Good tenants shared how they experienced dramatic health improvements upon entering housing, and business and research experts touted the cost savings of a Housing First approach to chronic homelessness.  Guests dined on a wide array of heavy hors d'oeuvres and enjoyed the open bar, live music, and good company.

Three awards were presented during the evening.  Senate President Therese Murray received the inaugural Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. Policy for People Award.  The award honors a public official who, in the tradition of the late Speaker of the House, uses public office as an opportunity to advocate for the rights of the poor, needy, sick and vulnerable.  In a moving tribute to his father, Tom O'Neill III spoke about his family’s longstanding commitment to care for those in need.  It was a fitting introduction for Senate President Murray, who during her tenure in the legislature has established herself as a champion of programs that help families and individuals move from poverty to self-sufficiency.  "Like Tip O’Neill, Senator Murray is committed to her local constituents, especially the needs of ordinary working families and those who have less.  We are honored to have her as the first recipient of this very special award” said MHSA Executive Director Joe Finn.  Pictured above are Senate President Murray and Tom O'Neill III.

The MHSA Partnership Award, which recognizes the commitment of those in the private sector who work to end homelessness, went to Jerry Rappaport, Jr., president and CEO of New Boston Fund, Inc.  Mr. Rappaport is Chairman of the Urban Strategy America (USA) Fund, which creates housing, jobs and needed amenities to stimulate economic development and enhance the quality of life in local communities.  Rappaport is also a consistent and generous supporter of Massachusetts non-profits that work to end the homelessness of men, women, and children.  According to MHSA executive director Joe Finn, “the involvement of the private sector, and leaders like Jerry Rappaport, is essential as we apply a business-oriented approach to ending homelessness in the Commonwealth."  Pictured are Tom Collins, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield and MHSA board member, Jerry Rappaport, and MHSA Executive Director Joe Finn.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) received the inaugural MHSA Cornerstone Award, which honors individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to providing assistance and care for homeless citizens across the Commonwealth.  MBHP manages mental health and substance abuse services for more than 300,000 MassHealth members across the Commonwealth, and its leadership of Housing First initiatives has helped to literally end the homelessness of hundreds of chronically homeless individuals in our state.  "MBHP is a true leader in the use of hard data and performance-based contracting to solve seemingly intractable social problems” Finn said.  Pictured receiving the award for MBHP are CEO Scott Taberner (center) and Vice President George Smart.

Very special thanks to our event sponsors: