WINTER 2008
MHSA Young Professionals Help Formerly Homeless Tenants Settle In

On December 10, the MHSA Young Professionals gathered for an evening of holiday cheer to help formerly homeless tenants settle into their new homes.

MHSA partnered with case managers Bill Cavellini and Joshua Hicks to obtain holiday wish lists from tenants in the MHSA Journey to Success (JTS) housing initiative. JTS serves 22 homeless individuals in recovery from substance abuse, all of whom were chronically homeless immediately prior to entering housing.

Armed with the wish lists, young professionals fanned out to stores like Target, Market Basket and Sears to get each tenant just what he or she wanted for the holidays. The group then gathered at MHSA to enjoy an evening of holiday music, gift wrapping and socializing. Pictured above, Kelly Lawless puts the finishing touches on a gift bag. 

“The holiday gift project was a fun night to socialize with other local young professionals,” said Elizabeth Sartori. “I’m so happy we were able to brighten the holidays for people in need and at the same time lend our support to an organization focused on expanding housing opportunities like Journey to Success for homeless individuals.”

Special thanks to all those who made donations to support the project, those who wrapped gifts and Brian Hamill of Hamill Adhesives for purchasing all of the tenants’ “stocking stuffers.” Thank you!