Deep into the summer season, we are taking a moment to reflect on all the goings-on in July at our B’nai B’rith Housing communities. From construction milestones to fun resident programs, these activities reflect our focus on building community and enriching resident life. We are thrilled to share highlights from recent events, important updates on ongoing developments, and a look-ahead at what’s to come. Thank you for being part of the BBH community—we’re excited to share this month’s news with you.
Reflecting on July: Moments That Strengthen Our Mission
Despite some rainy weather, it was great to bring 40 residents together at our Parkway 1208 property in West Roxbury for an evening of community, conversation, and celebration. Residents winning raffle prizes and sharing stories and laughter rounded out the evening, reinforcing our belief that connection and celebration are essential elements of service-enriched housing. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this gathering a success.
July also marked the launch of the new “Fruits & Veggies” pilot program at Parkway 1208—an initiative designed to increase fresh food access and to support holistic well-being for our residents.
Thank you for being part of our mission to provide more than just housing—we’re building a foundation for healthier, more connected lives.
Cutting Construction Costs: A New Tax Credit Proposal
| In her latest op-ed, Susan Gittelman highlights a bold proposal to address skyrocketing construction costs—which have increased overall by over 40% in just five years. The impact of a state sales tax credit for building materials could be very significant. The proposal, which is now under Senate review, would be an important new tool to help unlock stalled housing developments and to help stimulate new affordable housing opportunities. Let’s build a more equitable Commonwealth, one home at a time. Be sure to read the full op-ed in Bankers and Tradesman. |
August Construction Update: Progress at River St
As we move into August, construction at our River Street development in Hyde Park is advancing steadily with occupancy to begin in the fall.
Meet Paul Francois: Building Community at Parkway 1208
Paul Francois joined Peabody Properties at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with him a wealth of experience in Resident Service Coordination and program management. In prior roles working in assisted living, Paul worked tirelessly to transform challenging living environments to places residents could proudly call home. His success caught the attention of Peabody Properties leading him back to his RSC roots. Paul came to Parkway 1208, first on a temporary basis but later as a full time RSC, and he quickly earned the respect and appreciation of both residents and peers.
Paul is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that foster connection and enhance resident life at Parkway 1208. In addition to ongoing activities such as Bingo, Karaoke, and Family Fun Nights, residents can look forward to a variety of seasonal events in the coming months.
We are fortunate to have his leadership, compassion, and creativity as part of the Parkway 1208 family. Be sure to stop by and say hello when you see him around the community!
Community Corner: Celebrating Connection This Summer
There has been a lot going on this summer at our properties, with the common thread being focused on promoting resident well-being. At the Coolidge at Sudbury, residents participated in a valuable seminar led by TD Bank’s Jessica Pasciuto, who shared tips to avoid online banking scams. We are grateful to Hope Sudbury and St. Vincent de Paul both of provided financial support to individual residents in need. And for some well-earned fun, stand-up comedian Mark Scalia brought laughter to the Coolidge, entertaining over 50 residents from both buildings.
At the Machon in Swampscott, residents enjoyed a relaxing movie matinee with pizza, a creative watercolor workshop, and a joyful field trip to see The Wizard of Oz at the North Shore Music Theatre. Meanwhile, in Brighton, Covenant House was buzzing with energy thanks to Bingo Night, an Ice Cream & Jazz social, and a beautiful live concert by Liliana Glick. Finally, we are grateful to Ethos who also distributed farmers’ market food stamp coupons, ensuring the accessibility of local fresh produce.
We’re proud of all that has been accomplished this summer and deeply grateful to our partners, residents, and supporters who have helped make this work possible. Whether it’s creating lasting memories through resident programming or advancing construction on new homes, every effort brings us closer to our mission of providing high-quality, service-enriched affordable housing.
We look forward to sharing more progress with you in the months ahead—until then, we wish you a safe and joyful August!
