Pine Street Inn in Boston allocates $15 million donation to meet surging demand amid housing crisis
New England Council member Pine Street Inn has used some of the $15 million from the Yawkey Foundation to help improve the women’s shelter in the South End.
The $15 million award represents the largest single donation in the Pine Street Inn’s 55-year history. Following the receipt of the donation, Pine Street is underway with its plan to add between 400 and 500 new units of permanent housing over the next five years, marking an approximate 40% expansion in its overall capacity. This increase in housing units arrives at a crucial juncture, as Boston faces the dual challenges of an influx of migrants and escalating housing costs.
“Even this isn’t enough, but it’s a beginning,” said Pine Street Inn President Lyndia Downie. Pine Street and Yawkey Foundation officials gathered last Wednesday at the women’s shelter to celebrate Jean Yawkey’s 115th birthday through the naming of the ‘Yawkey House.’ More than 1,300 women are supported yearly through Pine Street Inn’s outreach and hopes to help more.
The New England Council commends Pine Street Inn for its continued efforts in assisting unhoused individuals across Boston.
Read more from the Boston Herald.