April 3, 2024 – (Dorchester, Mass.) – The Community Builders (TCB), Boston City Councilor-at-Large Julia Mejia, Lowe’s and New Franklin Park Apartments staff and residents celebrated the grand opening of TCB’s Community Corner in Dorchester. The collaborative event included remarks from Councilor Mejia, Elizabeth Gonzalez Suarez, TCB vice president of Community Life, Guerdy Desir, New Franklin Park resident, Kelly Mulherin, district manager, Lowe’s and Anthony Yancy, assistant store manager, Lowe’s. The Community Corner also received a proclamation from Massachusetts State Senator Nick Collins’ office, recognizing the food pantry’s efforts to address food insecurity in Dorchester.
In June 2023, Lowe’s granted TCB funds to improve The Community Corner, which addresses food insecurity for residents of New Franklin Park Apartments and the surrounding Dorchester neighborhood. In addition to providing healthy food options, the Community Corner also offers a range of essential hygiene products and pet food to ensure the well-being of individuals and their furry companions in the neighborhood.
“We are delighted to have The Community Corner open for our Dorchester residents and broader community, as we advance The Community Builders’ mission to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Suarez, TCB vice president of Community Life. “With input from our residents, we renovated New Franklin Park’s Community Corner to serve as a neighborhood hub for gathering, accessing essential food, and connecting with Community Life staff for additional resources and opportunities.”
The Lowe’s Hometowns award enabled TCB to initiate vital spatial and aesthetic enhancements at The Community Corner, addressing immediate structural concerns such as door repairs, flooring, insulation, fire and safety amenities, a water heater, and an HVAC system. Additionally, a portion of the grant was dedicated to efficiency and accessibility upgrades, such as floor-to-ceiling shelving, an industrial-sized refrigerator and freezer, and a security system. An office space was also created for staff discussions and strategy planning, with additional improvements like furniture, painting, and spatial adjustments for a more modern and inviting appearance.
“Thanks to upgrades from Lowe’s, The Community Corner can do even more. With better storage for food, we can feed more families in need. Lowe’s gift ensures that the new Community Corner will continue to be a safe, stable, and welcoming space for everyone to access healthy food,” said Guerdy Desir, Community Corner volunteer and New Franklin Park Apartments resident.
Launched in 2022, Lowe’s Hometowns is the company’s largest-ever impact program, with a five-year, $100 million commitment from Lowe’s to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. This year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects were selected from 93 communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C., and address needs specific to each community, from housing and community centers to outdoor spaces and facilities for first responders and veterans.
About The Community Builders
The Community Builders’ mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive. Our mission-driven businesses work with partners to develop, finance and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities and opportunity programs for families, seniors and adults with disabilities. Since 1964, we have advanced housing equity through award-winning affordable and mixed-income communities and our pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, our ownership and management portfolio include over 14,000 apartment homes. Anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York and Washington D.C., we operate across 15 states.
