Servicio de Noticias de la Casa del Estado Autor: Chris Lisinski
Every state in New England is poised to receive an above-average injection of federal infrastructure money, funding that could play a key role after years where the region’s rate of investment lagged other states, a new report concluded.
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure law will steer about $13 billion to New England states for roads, $2.6 billion for bridges and $3.1 billion for drinking water and wastewater systems, according to a report published Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Those appropriations translate to $1,626 per capita for New England, well above the $1,287 per capita appropriation for the same categories nationwide.
That could make a big difference: pointing to past research by the Boston Fed, report author Riley Sullivan said New England states and municipalities for years have spent money on capital infrastructure projects at a lower per-capita rate than the United States as a whole.
Both Connecticut and Massachusetts saw higher state and local capital spending on a per-capita basis in the earlier part of the 2010s, but dropped below the national average in recent years, according to data Sullivan presented.
“New England as a region is confronted with unique challenges because it developed its capital stock earlier than other parts of the country that have experienced more recent population growth,” Sullivan wrote. “The aging infrastructure in some parts of New England was built when the needs of the areas were different from what they are today. In Massachusetts, every year, oversized vehicles collide or nearly collide with the low bridges on either side of the Charles River. The bridges that cross the Cape Cod Canal are inadequate for the summer traffic, so residents and visitors lose what could otherwise be productive time waiting in that traffic.”
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Community Development | Economic Development | Legislative Issues | Government Affairs | Elected Officials
Join us for networking and dinner as Gil Ehmke, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at bankHometown/Hometown Financial Group, will give a short presentation on the state of the economy and interest rate environment. A brief Q&A will follow. Feel free to extend this invitation!
In 2019, St. Bernard’s High School were approached by Emmy-award winning filmmakers Gregg Backer, Evan Kanew, and Jeff Bowler, who were interested in making a documentary about St. Bernard’s High School. At the time and with 100 students, the school was nearing closure until a group of community members — alumni, parents, students, and staff — joined together to petition the Diocese of Worcester to run as an independent Catholic high school. While fighting for their future, they were inspired by the resilience of their football team, the smallest in the state of Massachusetts who fought their way to the Division 8 Championship at Gillette Stadium. In the end, they were both victorious: St. Bernard’s was able to gain its independent status from the Diocese and has since doubled its enrollment; and our boys clinched the D8 title — and are preparing to compete again this Friday against West Boylston for the D7 title.
The documentary, “All In: Miracle at St. Bernard’s,” is set to release this December 13th with a premier event to follow. (We will update you with this information when it becomes available)
North Central Massachusetts Workforce Study Results
Study focuses on bringing “hidden and future workers” into the workforce
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce today announced the completion of a comprehensive workforce study to provide solutions for employers who are struggling to find skilled labor and offer suggestions to balance the labor market now and into the future.
The study, “Worker Shortages and the North Central Massachusetts Region: Engaging Hidden and Future Workers to Grow the Local Economy,” was prepared by the UMass Donahue Institute’s Economic and Public Policy Research group, a leading provider of applied research to help clients make more informed decisions about strategic economic and public policy issues.
Focusing on workforce growth challenges and solutions, the study outlines workforce barriers related to geography, skills, structure, and work-life balance, and includes short-, mid- and long-term recommendations for how to grow the North Central workforce.
The study utilized a collaboration between regional business and education leaders and workforce development experts, which revealed two classes of workers who are not being fully utilized, but who have skills local employers need. “Hidden workers” are identified as applicants who are screened out of consideration for jobs or those who have no choice but to remain out of the workforce due to barriers beyond their control, and “future workers” are people who soon will be in the labor force due to age, location, technology and other factors.
“Like many other areas of the Commonwealth, North Central is feeling the impacts of stagnant labor force engagement beyond the effects of pandemic shutdowns,” noted Roy Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Our region is particularly susceptible to labor force shrinkage due to our aging population and slower population growth, but also because our hidden and future workers within the region have other needs which are not being met by our local labor market. In fact, some workers are finding the job search to be just as difficult as it was before the pandemic. The barriers and recommendations in the plan will require all different community stakeholders in North Central to work together to meet the regions workforce needs.”
The issues are complex and varied. Some stem from a lack of affordable housing adjacent to jobs and transportation to and from where affordable housing is available. Others deal with current skills sets that, sadly, no longer align with industries in the area or overly aggressive online applicant filters that may discriminate an applicant’s past. The result? A complete different set of challenges facing today’s workforce than those of years past. In fact, the study revealed the most diverse set of issues the team has seen in recent years as both workers and employers grapple with work-life balance, prioritizing shift times, complex benefits, and location issues. All of which are a far cry from the industry, company or position in the company which made jobs attractive in the past.
The study also explored a variety of solutions to pull those hidden and future workers into the labor force, including more and better childcare choices, implementation of new worker transit, the creation of innovative training and credentialing programs, and fostering relationships with local community colleges, businesses, and prisons.
“North Central’s workforce is aging, and its slower population growth is projected to continue,” said Nascimento. “In order to meet North Central’s workforce needs, employers, educational institutions and workforce development agencies must collaborate and create overlapping strategies to better engage and entice these groups into the labor force.”
Local institutions, such as Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University, currently collaborate with employers to coordinate programs geared toward community and employer needs. Mount Wachusett Community College, in collaboration with employers, began developing a new Veteran Worker’s Initiative to assist local veterans with the transition from military skills to college/civilian skills. That program connects regional employers to students on campus, hosts panel discussions with organizations that educate employers on how to be responsive and sensitive to veteran needs and uses the college’s career services to connect students with business partners in the area.
“We are grateful for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s focus on bringing education and industry together to seek pathways and solutions to the employment challenges in our region,” said James L. Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College. “Mount Wachusett Community College has long been committed to the Chamber’s efforts and looks forward to continuing our partnerships to ensure a well-trained workforce.”
In an effort to facilitate collaboration between employers and educational institutions, the Chamber recently hired a Talent and Education Initiatives Program Manager to support the development, retention and attraction of a qualified labor force. “By working with employers, regional partners and educational institutions on developing strategies and programs to build and strengthen our current and future workforce, it was important for us to have a team member focused on these efforts to help strengthen the collaboration,” added Nascimento.
While collaboration will be key to growing the labor force in North Central Massachusetts, the study concludes that employers need to make working easier by overcoming the identified barriers.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | North Central Workforce Study
The magazine is published by the Chamber’s destination marketing arm – Visit North Central Massachusetts – to promote the region. Shown: Spring/Summer 2022 Guide to North Central Massachusetts.
Don’t miss the opportunity to place your ad in the Spring/Summer edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts!
This popular publication is a glossy, full color magazine with pieces that aim to inform and inspire readers, and brand North Central Massachusetts as a unique destination and a dynamic place to live, work and visit.
Over 35,000 issues are distributed to over 300 high traffic locations through-out the region and state, including the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center on Route 2 and 46 AAA offices in the state.
A digital version is also posted on our website, as well as on the state’s tourism website and shared via social media and email.
Advertising is very affordable Rates start at just $308 for this print and digital opportunity!
Why Advertise in the Guide?
• We print 35,000 copies of each issue and distribute at over 250 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Canada
• To maximize exposure, 35,000 copies are produced twice a year
• The Online Guide now has interactive hyperlinks instantly connecting your website directly with your printed advertisements
• Your company’s brand will recieve exposure through the guide and all other social sites
• 2 Million+ yearly hits from www.massvacation.com
• Complimentary Ad Design Support is available
• Your ad is posted for up to six months with a rate as low as $308 for a 1/8 page.
To inquire about advertising or to reserve your spot, please contact Diane Burnette at 978.534.2829 or via email at .
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Advertisement Opportunities | Spring/Summer Guide North Central Massachusetts
Do something different this year…. Community Gift Cards are Perfect for the Holidays
Delight your employees, clients and partners with a gift that shows your community spirit!
Unique to the communities of North Central Massachusetts, the new Gift Local eGift Cards work exclusively at a variety of local small businesses. Recipients can choose among food, retailers, salons and spas, entertainment and more – and every purchase helps our local businesses thrive. There is always something for everyone!
It’s Easy. Here’s how!
Start at Giftlocal.net and select “Buy E-Gift Cards” then follow the instructions;
Send one or a whole batch of gifts via text, email or print 1 to 99 gifts from a file of PDFs to hand-deliver;
Write your message and schedule the eGift Cards for delivery if you want;
Check-out and pay with your credit card. You can edit individual messages and amounts in the cart before your checkout;
Need help? Contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or email
You have options with the new gift card program:
Monthly reminders: Send gifts by email whenever possible so recipients get monthly reminders to spend them. Upload a spreadsheet with your recipients’ contact information to your account to send all your gifts at once.
Recoup unspent funds: No waste! You can set an expiration date for your gifts by contacting us. You can re-gift the rebate or request a check.
Get a discount on the $1+5% eDelivery fee to $0.50+3% if you are spending more than $1,000 and are paying in advance with a check or ACH. Contact us to get your discount. This is the best option for large purchases and/or ongoing employee rewards and recognition.
Get a free business account that allows you to deposit funds in advance to send gifts at the discounted rate, set expiration dates to recoup unspent funds, give access and budgets to managers for ongoing programs like spot bonuses, employee rewards or anniversary gifts, and run reports and analytics anytime on card distribution and usage.
The Chamber has recently partnered with Yiftee, a national community gift card provider, to power our Gift Local eGift Card Program. The Gift Local eGift Card is an effort by the Chamber to encourage consumers to shop local and help keep local dollars circulating in the region.
For more information or additional question, please visit www.Giftlocal.net or contact Lauren Goulet at 978.353.7600 ext. 222 or .
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Giftlocal.net | E-Gift Cards
The Chamber’s destination marketing arm, Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM), finalized its FY23 annual marketing plan. Proposed marketing efforts included in the plan range from digital advertising campaigns, sponsored campaigns, public relations, social media, trade show participation and several collaborations with state and local partners. The primary focus of marketing efforts will continue to be on attracting the weekend and daytrip leisure traveler from within a 250-mile radius, including key origin markets like Boston, Southern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. Other target markets for our efforts in FY23 include the youth/amateur sports market and corporate/associations. The plan was approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism as part of our annual tourism grant submission. We hope to hear back on our final grant award in December.
Throughout the Fall season, we also worked on updating and refining the content on our travel website – Visitnorthcentral.com. Visitors use the site as a guide and can easily find out about places to visit, where to stay, culinary experiences and local services offered in the region. We updated listings and the event calendar. We also added new content to help promote the region, including some seasonal landing pages; a section highlighting communities in our region; and a new landing page to help promote the region as a destination for youth and amateur sports tournaments and events. In addition, we posted several stories highlighting activities and attractions, such as “Choices, Choices! How Do You Pick The Perfect Apple?” which promoted the region’s orchards; “It’s Festival Season” which highlighted the region’s abundance of Fall festivals and events; and “Tunes & Taps” which promoted the region as a destination for craft beer lovers.
The Fall/Winter edition of the Guide to North Central Massachusetts was published in September. This popular publication is a glossy, full color magazine with pieces that aim to inform and inspire readers, and brand North Central Massachusetts as a unique destination and a dynamic place to live, work and visit. Over 35,000 issues were distributed to over 300 high traffic locations through-out the region and state. A digital version was also posted on the website and shared via social media and email. We have seen strong demand for the publication this year and anticipate running out of the remaining supply of the Winter edition at the visitor center by early December. Costs for producing and printing the guide have increased, so we will need to carefully evaluate advertising interest to weigh if we can increase the number of issues for the next edition to meet the increasing demand we have been seeing. Members interested in advertising in the 2023 Spring/Summer edition are strongly encouraged to contact the Chamber as soon as possible.
We also invested in several paid campaigns executed through Facebook that were targeted to the drive market during the Fall season. The ads highlighted Fall activities in North Central Massachusetts, including apple picking, Fall foliage, festivals and other activities. The campaigns ran in September and October and resulted in a paid reach of 448,894 and 1,545,900 impressions. Organic reach during the same period was 398,967. The campaigns also resulted in 18,013 engagements and our Facebook following growing by over 2,000 followers. During the same period, our Instagram posts had a reach of 19,383 and saw 78 new followers.
Our other paid advertising efforts during the Fall included a Labor Day campaign with Media News Group to promote Fairs and the kick-off of the Fall season. The campaign included digital and print ads in their publications. The digital ads resulted in 190,689 impressions and 156 clicks. We also complemented the campaign with radio advertisements. During the season, we also partnered with the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council on an advertising campaign in the Boston Spirit and we secured an ad in the Dream Destinations Guide targeted towards the Western Massachusetts and Connecticut market. We also hosted a booth at the Dream Destinations Travel Show in Springfield and helped to staff the Massachusetts booth at the Big E in Springfield.
Lodging data was very strong for the Fall season. Hotel occupancy for YTD through September was 70.9%, a 20.7% increase over the previous year; ADR was $173.76 which is a 41.5% increase; RevPar was $123.18, a 70.9% increase over the previous year; total room revenue was up 70.9%; and rooms sold was up 20.7% for YTD. AirDNA data also showed that demand for short term rentals (vacation rentals) in the region has increased 53.1% YTD through September and revenues have increased 62.6%. Although we saw strong lodging data and social media results, website traffic was down modestly about 6% during the season.
Our Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center also saw strong traffic during the Fall season. Sales at the gift shop were at a record high, up 35% over the previous year and 10% over 2018 which was our previous record year. We also saw eighteen group tour buses stop at the center in the Fall, an increase over previous years.
With Fall behind us, we have shifted gears to focus on promoting awareness and visitation to North Central Massachusetts during the Winter season.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Visit North Central Massachusetts (VNCM) FY23 Annual Marketing Plan
The Chamber’s economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), completed its fiscal year on September 30, 2022. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects in North Central Massachusetts with loans and technical assistance. The NCMDC provided a total of 31 micro-loans for a total of $1,680,500. Of note, 74% of these loans were granted to historically underserved communities of minority, women or low income owned businesses. The loans ranged from $7,500 to $206,000. Our loans helped to leverage another $2,286,138 in bank financing and owner capital and resulted in the retention/creation of 174 jobs.
In addition to the loans, our economic development team also provided 1,162 hours of direct technical assistance and counseling to small businesses over the year. We also provided an additional 10 micro-grants, for a total $44,219.64, to support technical assistance needs of local small businesses. The average micro-grant awarded was $4,422.
Since the microloan program was established in the 1990s, the NCMDC has provided a cumulative total of 341 microloans totaling $11,642,617 which have helped create 620 jobs and retain another 846 jobs. The numbers do not include any fixed asset loans (SBA 504 loans) made during the early history of the NCMDC. When factoring in these loans, the NCMDC has made over $24 million in loans.
The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC)
Grant supports pop-up shop approach for artisans, crafters, entrepreneurs to share their work with the community
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it provided a grant of $10,000 to the City of Fitchburg for the development of pop-up shops to provide temporary space for local artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs to sell their products to the community.
InTown Fitchburg has been working in collaboration with the City of Fitchburg to identify multiple areas feasible for pop-up businesses, which are planned to begin in December 2022. Identified locations for the pop-up shops include vacant storefronts in the downtown area which have the potential to generate much needed economic activity for the properties and interest in the storefront.
Over the next few months, two pop-up shops will be coming to Fitchburg. InTown Fitchburg is partnering with Bonfire Books to lead a Retail Pop-Up Market from December 1 to December 23, 2022, and a post-holiday week event with additional discounts from January 2 to January 6, 2023. The shop will be located at 37 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg. Bonfire Books will be selling used, new and unusual books as well as hosting vendors who will be featured throughout the pop-up shop schedule. Participating vendors include local paper artists, woolens and winter accessories, custom cards and calendars, stationary and stickers, locally made soaps and candles, and other art, gift and craft items.
“A pop-up shop provides a tremendous benefit to the business owner while also helping to develop vibrant downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This funding will help support the ongoing revitalization efforts of the downtown Fitchburg area by bringing together local small business owners to share their work with the community.”
In addition to highlighting vendors featured in the pop-ups, placing pop-up shops in an existing business has the potential to attract a new customer base and could lead to future collaborations with featured vendors.
“As we continue our work to revitalize the downtown area, we are excited to open up our vacant storefronts for our local small business owners to share their products with the community through this program,” said Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale, City of Fitchburg. “It’s always wonderful when organizations come together to create unique opportunities for our business owners, and through this collaboration with the city, InTown Fitchburg, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, and the property owners willing to participate in the program, we are able to provide spaces for local artists and entrepreneurs to grow their business while we grow our downtown.”
Additional details, including opening times and updates for these pop-up shops, can be found by visiting www.intownfitchburg.com or following Bonfire Books on social media.
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | $10,000 Grant | City of Fitchburg, MA
Key new hires bring experience in life science, academic and residential sectors which will help drive continued growth and support achievement of overall business goals
Springfield, Mass & Worcester, Mass.—Fontaine Bros. Inc., a construction management and general contracting firm serving the public and private sectors since 1933, is pleased to announce three recent new hires to the organization: Michael Tiberii as Sr. Project Supervisor; Tom Ingle as Project Supervisor/Manager and Nicole LaCroix as Project Manager.
Mike Tiberii joins Fontaine from AECOM TISHMAN where he was Vice President of MEP Services. With over 35 years of experience, Mike has worked on projects in many sectors including life science, hospitality and residential. He completed the Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Architectural Design and Drafting Program and earned a Certificate from the University of Texas’ Project Management Program.
Before joining Fontaine, Tom Ingle was a General Contractor who managed his own construction and remodeling company. Tom is a licensed Construction Supervisor and earned a degree in Business Management from Providence College.
Nicole Lacroix comes to Fontaine from Bowdoin Construction. She earned a Masters of Construction Management degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Interior Design. Nicole’s diverse experience includes a wide range of projects in the academic and life science sectors.
About Fontaine Bros.
As a fourth-generation family owned and operated construction management and general contracting firm, Fontaine Bros. takes great pride in our ability to innovate, adapt and persevere in an industry that is always evolving. With offices in Springfield and Worcester, Fontaine Bros. has completed more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Commonwealth. Maintaining our commitment to intentional growth by pursuing only projects that align with the Fontaine Bros. mission of quality, teamwork and client satisfaction has made the company successful since 1933. To learn more, visit www.fontainebros.com.
For those in the know, the distinctive diagonal white stripe on a red background displayed on Main Street in Downtown Leominster is a pleasant surprise. They immediately recognize the diver down flag used to alert vessels that scuba divers and snorkelers are underwater. “A lot of customers see the diver down flag while driving by and stop in to check us out,” say first-time small business owners Matt and Pam DeMar, who opened Descent Divers, only the second dive shop in Worcester County, to have fun and grow the local underwater community.
The shop’s prime location at 6 Main Street boasts floor space for an array of scuba diving merchandise, from face masks to flippers. Even more convenient is the space upstairs that serves as a classroom for the wide range of courses offered at Descent Divers. Some of those courses, like Open Water Diving, cater to beginners. But the DeMars also offer an array of specialized certification courses, from Rescue Diving to Night Diving, for more experienced divers. And for those who want to dive year-round closer to home, the shop’s certification courses in Full Face Mask Diving and Dry Suit Diving are big hits. Since scuba divers equipped with a full-face mask and dry suit leave nothing exposed to the elements, they can continue diving in local lakes or along the South Shore well after the traditional end of diving season in November.
Whichever course customers choose, it’s helpful to know that Descent Divers is affiliated with internationally recognized PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), which issues the scuba diving certifications. “Many of our courses are also ACE (American Council of Education) accredited,” adds Matt about the accreditation, which means that some courses can count as transferable college credits in physical fitness or environmental science.
Enriched air for longer dives
Matt is a certified scuba diving instructor who volunteered for years with Operation Blue Pride, a nonprofit based in Newton, MA, which offers free scuba training to veterans. So, he knows the ins and outs of diving and offers other essential services at Descent Divers, everything from repairing regulators to producing and selling enriched air nitrox (EANx). The enriched air tanks are essential to deep-water divers who run the risk of getting the bends, a potentially deadly nitrogen saturation in tissue that occurs when divers remain submerged for a long time. EANx increases the amount of oxygen in the tank up to 40% to minimize nitrogen intake. Luckily, the shop’s Main Street location also includes a basement that houses the compressor used to manufacture EANx. And the certification you need to purchase the enriched air? Descent Divers offers that non-dive training course right upstairs.
Seal pups, scallops and lobsters
“It’s amazing what you can see underwater even out here,” says Matt of New England’s waterways, which tend to be murkier than tropical destinations. Seeing seal pups play underwater is one of those amazing sights, while more adventurous souls can scuba dive for lobsters. Although picking up a lobster at your local grocer might be more convenient, Matt insists that “it’s more fun to dive for your own.” Rest assured, the shop offers essential gear for lobster diving, like squeeze-handle claw-proof bags and curved tickle sticks used to coax lobsters out of hiding.
Networking and community outreach
When it came to handling the logistics of opening a scuba diving shop, like booking pool time for underwater training, the couple say being members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce was invaluable. “The Chamber is good about helping businesses network with other businesses and institutions in the area,” explains Pam. “Especially when we needed additional pool times, having those connections was very helpful.”
According to the owners of Descent Divers, their Chamber of Commerce membership is also great for community outreach since it connects them with community organizers, like those who might plan beach cleanups. “People often forget to clean up what’s in the water,” Matt cautions. “We’re eager to participate in those beach cleanups since we can dive underwater and pick up discarded litter that washes into the waterways.”
Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or want to get certified, the dive shop owners encourage you to stop by for a chat. “But bring a friend,” warns Matt. “You’ll need a dive buddy.”
Learn more
Stop by Descent Divers at 6 Main Street in Leominster, MA, or learn more about its extensive course offerings at descentdivers.com.
Correo electrónico:
Phone: 978-230-7300
Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Descent Divers
North Star Seeking Community Support for “Journey Home Project” with Capital 2.5 million-dollar Campaign
A new project from North Star Family Services, Inc., will bring the first of its kind supportive housing community to North Central Massachusetts in the Spring 2023. North Star is seeking support for the project, which aims to help local homeless families stay permanently housed, through an ongoing $2.5 million capital campaign.
Known as “Journey Home,” the project will include the construction of a 15-unit apartment building in Leominster that will house homeless families with children. The building will also feature offices with onsite staff who will provide services to help families overcome challenges so they can transition to long-term stable housing, including skills building and mentoring.
On March 30, the City of Leominster, Zoning Board of Appeals, unanimously approved a zoning permit for Journey Home, positioning the project to be shovel ready in the Spring of 2023.
The building will be located down the street from North Star’s family shelter, which has served families in North Central Massachusetts for over 20 years. North Star President and CEO Dr. Jon Hogue notes that Journey Home will extend the shelter’s work in an innovative way.
“This project is unique in North Central Massachusetts and will bring the first-ever housing continuum,” says Hogue. “Our emergency shelter takes families who have been living in areas not meant for human habitation, and now we are creating an outlet that is supportive, affordable, and permanent. The project’s number one goal is to keep people housed long-term so they can build better lives.”
Journey Home is being funded in part by local City, State, ARPA and private donations. Additionally, an endowment fund has been created at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts that will support annual program operations for North Star, including Journey Home.
The capital campaign, led by volunteers Martin F. Connors, President & CEO of Rollstone Bank and Trust, and his wife Kathleen, is essential for funding the initial construction of the building.
“We decided to lead the Journey Home capital campaign because this ambitious project will make it possible for previously homeless/low-income, working families to move out of the North Star shelter,” says Connors. “This new housing program will be one of a kind and serve North Central Massachusetts families in need of support for generations to come.”
Robert Antonucci, President Emeritus of Fitchburg State University and Honorary Champion of the Journey Home capital campaign, adds, “North Star Family Services is an organization whose primary focus is to assist homeless families with the most critical basic needs, housing and support services. I am more than pleased to support the capital campaign and hope that others will join us in doing all we can to ensure that families in need will continue to be served. By joining together we can make a difference and contribute to the quality of life in our communities. “
Donations to the Journey Home capital campaign can be made at northstarfs.org, or by mailing or dropping off a check to the following address: North Star Family Services, Inc., 758 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453.
