News and Press Releases

Hearth named Housing Heroes Award recipient
Citizens Bank Foundation provides $50,000 to support ending elder homelessness

May 10, 2007

BOSTON - Citizens Bank of Massachusetts has named Hearth, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to ending elder homelessness, as the recipient of its 2007 Housing Heroes Award.  As part of the award, Hearth will receive a $50,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation.  The Housing Heroes grant program is an extension of the Citizens Housing Bank, a low-interest loan program designed to increase the affordable housing supply in the state.

"Citizens Bank is excited to name Hearth, Inc., as this year's winner of the Housing Hero Award for its commitment to ensuring the elderly community has a safe and affordable place to call home," said Robert E. Smyth, Chairman, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts.  "There is a need for affordable housing in the state and we commend Hearth for doing its part to protect the health and well-being of our seniors."

The Housing Heroes award was designed to spotlight a housing development that demonstrates innovative solutions, effective use of resources, leadership in creating affordable housing and strong fiscal responsibility.  Last year, Citizens Bank awarded its Housing Hero award to the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation for its Know Your Home, Your Neighbors and Your Neighborhood program, which provided post purchase education and counseling to 22 first-time homeowners of the Franklin Field South II home ownership development in Dorchester.  The bank's inaugural Housing Hero award in 2005 went to Cape Cod's Housing Assistance Corp. to support its Cape Cod Senior Residences at Pocasset.

Hearth was selected as the Housing Hero for its commitment to ending elder homelessness in greater Boston by working to secure permanent housing for them.  It offers supportive services and prevention programs designed to help them live healthy and stable lives, while addressing their individual medical and social services needs.  Founded in 1991 under the name The Committee to End Elder Homelessness, Hearth has served approximately 1,800 elders through its Outreach program and housed more than 800 clients.

The organization owns six permanent housing sites in the Boston area including its newest establishment, Burroughs House, a 14-unit home in Jamaica Plain.  Residents share a common kitchen, dining room and living room, giving them the opportunity to socialize and foster a sense of community.

As part of the $50,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation, $10,000 is designated for a resident-related program.  Hearth will use this funding for a part-time, licensed social worker who will work exclusively at Burroughs House and be responsible for:

• Assisting with the screening processes and documentation for potential residents
• Conducting tenant assessments
• Overseeing staff in the development and implementation of the tenant care plans
• Coordinating mental health services for clients
• Developing and coordinating appropriate trainings on case management
• Assisting the staff in handling crisis intervention and prevention

Another component of the award will give Hearth the opportunity to take advantage of the expertise of Smyth, who can offer guidance to the organization on business-related issues.