BOSTON – The Community Builders (TCB) was recognized by the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA) at its annual Home for Good fundraiser and award ceremony on Thursday, May 16 at WBUR CitySpace in Boston. The organization received The Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award which celebrates individuals and organizations who advocate for the Housing First model, an approach which prioritizes the need for a place to live followed by supportive services that address long-term health issues, unemployment, and other challenges.
TCB works with partners to develop, finance, and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities, and programs for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. For the past 60 years, TCB has advanced housing equity through award-winning affordable and mixed-income communities and their pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, their ownership and management portfolio include more than 14,000 apartment homes, with 4,750 apartments in Massachusetts alone. Their award-winning permanent supportive housing projects span Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and two collaborations in Boston with the Pine Street Inn. Anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington D.C., TCB operates across 15 states.
The award presented to Andy Waxman, TCB regional vice president of real estate development, celebrates Byron Rushing who represented the Ninth Suffolk district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1983 to 2019. During his tenure, he was a tireless advocate for housing for all people, including individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and those with complex disabling conditions. His long-fought battle for legislation that created the Special Commission on Housing and Homelessness resulted in the establishment of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness. This sparked regional plans across the Commonwealth developed specifically to end chronic homelessness. In addition to these achievements, it was his legislative advocacy that led to the most significant annual investments in the budget process to support new and innovative housing solutions.
“Without question, The Community Builders is true to its name,” said Joyce Tavon, MHSA’s CEO. “The organization’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us is unmatched as is its reach, impact, and advocacy. We are proud to present The Community Builders with the Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award.”
“On behalf of The Community Builders, I am deeply honored to accept The Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award from the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance. This recognition underscores our dedication to the Housing First model and our mission to provide safe, supportive housing for those who need it most. We are grateful for MHSA’s continued partnership and support in honoring Rep. Rushing’s living legacy and our shared goal of ending chronic homelessness,” said Andy Waxman, regional vice president of real estate development.
For more information on the Home for Good event, visit www.mhsa.net/homeforgood.
