HarborCOV celebrates opening of Casa Maribel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2003
Contact: Ashley C. McCumber
617-375-8137
Laurie Holmes, Executive Director
617-884-9799
Press Conference to Launch State's First Permanent Affordable Housing
For Families Affected by Domestic Violence
Chelsea, Massachusetts – HarborCOV (Communities Overcoming Violence) announces the launch of the Community Housing Initiative, the state's first program to provide permanent, affordable housing and economic development opportunities to families affected by domestic violence. Founded in 1998, HarborCOV is the only domestic violence program to target Chelsea, Revere, East Boston and Winthrop, providing emergency and support services for individuals and their families while working to end domestic violence through community development.
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A press conference will be hosted to announce the opening of Casa Maribel, the initiative's first three-unit home, and upcoming project plans on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chelsea National Guard Armory, 133 Spruce St. Participants will then tour Casa Maribel, named for a local woman murdered by her boyfriend on a busy Chelsea street in 1998.
The Community Housing Initiative will create the commonwealth's first permanent housing with supportive services designed specifically for those affected by domestic violence. The initiative, in collaboration with nonprofit developers and the city of Chelsea, will create 50 scattered-site apartments over the next five years. Because the Community Housing Initiative creates homes rather than emergency shelters, its comprehensive services work to empower residents toward family, economic and community stability.
"For too many families affected by domestic violence, homelessness is inevitable," states HarborCOV Executive Director Laurie Holmes. "There is a severe shortage of appropriate housing in Massachusetts, preventing families from accessing affordable housing and the support they need to achieve permanent safety, stability and independence."
For more information about the event, HarborCOV or the Community Housing Initiative, call 617-884-9799.
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