Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston

Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston

BY RUDY MITCHELL, Senior Researcher, Applied Research and Consulting

No one book or even a handful of books can fully cover the many facets of the city of Boston over its nearly 400 year history. Many books cover highly specific topics, present photographic highlights, or serve an academic readership. However, the following five books give distinctive insights, diverse perspectives, and general overviews. I recommend these five because they provide a variety of viewpoints, are general in nature, and can best serve most readers in understanding Boston.

A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE NEW BOSTON

BY JIM VRABEL

Although many books about Boston focus on the city’s mayors, urban planners, and prominent leaders, Vrabel focuses on community activists, the poor, and working class men and women whose protests and community organizing played an unsung role in shaping the “New Boston” over the last fifty years. This important book, based on many interviews and extensive research, covers a range of issues from housing and urban renewal to education and jobs, as well as protests against a proposed Southwest Expressway and airport expansion.

COMMON GROUND: A TURBULENT DECADE IN THE LIVES OF THREE AMERICAN FAMILIES

BY J. ANTHONY LUKAS

The Pulitzer Prize winning Common Ground probes the roots of issues related to race, class, educational disparity, and income inequality which are still critical to understand and address. This brilliant work of historical nonfiction reads like an epic novel. In the foreground are three families: the black Twymons, the Irish McGoffs, and the Yankee Divers. The larger picture is not limited to Boston during the decade of court-ordered school integration through busing of students, although the book brings that era to life in intimate detail. Lukas paints a complex picture rich with details and explorations into the historical roots of the issues. Great works like this often draw on the details of one specific place and time to understand the larger, enduring concerns of American society and its cities.

THE HUB: BOSTON PAST AND PRESENT

BY THOMAS O’CONNOR

The Hub is the best general, one volume history of Boston. O’Connor draws on a long career of research and writing about Boston to distill his insights on Boston’s resistance and adaptations to political, social, religious, and economic changes over the centuries. While creatively adapting to major changes, the city and its neighborhoods have maintained their distinctive and historical qualities without becoming frozen in time. However, O’Connor defines the current challenge facing the city as retaining “its own distinctive identity as a city whose moral standards, civic virtues, and intellectual accomplishments once inspired a nation (xiii).”

BOSTON VOICES AND VISIONS

BY SHAUN O’CONNELL, ED.

The editor of this anthology of historical and literary excerpts about Boston has selected richly descriptive pieces as well as selections that consider the high purpose and vision set forth for the city.  These selections convey the flavor and everyday life of the city over the centuries, but also interpret, critique and praise the ideas, attitudes, and ideals of Boston. The book includes a wide range of authors from John Winthrop (1630), to Oliver Wendell Holmes (1831), to W.E.B. DuBois (1960), and Patricia Powell (2004).

BOSTON: A TOPOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 3RD EDITION.

BY WALTER MUIR WHITEHILL AND LAWRENCE KENNEDY

While the title of this classic work may suggest a narrow focus, Whitehill’s book is actually an excellent introduction to the general development of Boston. The changing face of the Boston landscape and its built environment are concisely covered and generously illustrated with many pictures and maps. Some newer books go into more depth on the filling of the Back Bay and the process of urban renewal, but this work is especially helpful in understanding the first three centuries of central Boston history. Although the book does not cover the social and religious aspects of Boston in any depth, it provides a remarkable amount of detail about the city’s buildings and physical development, all in a very readable style.

For more recommended reading on Boston and its history as well as resources for walking the city, here is a fuller list of resources.

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History of Racism in Boston: A Resource List

History of Racism in Boston: A Resource List

By the RCCI Team, with contributions from Pastor Calvin Fergins

Recent realities, like COVID-19, the heightened publicity of racial violence, and economic downturn, have highlighted racial disparities in our communities. While these pandemics are deepening the chasms of differences in power and opportunity, they did not create them. On the contrary, our current crises highlight inequalities that have been present since before the founding of our nation. 

Boston has a long and complicated racial history. On the one hand, it tells stories of resilience, transformation, and victory. On the other, it reveals deplorable atrocities, subtle power moves, contemporary hate crimes, and well-intended actions that have a racist impact, giving us a veneer of progress while maintaining the status quo. 

As we find ourselves in a time of crisis and opportunity, we have the responsibility to work toward a new Boston, more just and equitable than before. To ensure a better future, we must look to our past. We must understand our history and learn from the mistakes, victories, and examples of those who have come before. RCCI invites you to explore the resources on this list to better understand our collective past so, together, we can move into a more just and equitable future. 

PS: Click here to see a downloadable bibliography of resources that goes well beyond these highlighted titles. 

Resource Write Ups  

Ten Hills Farm: The Forgotten History of Slavery in the North

Did you know that there was a Northern plantation in Medford, Massachusetts? You can still visit it, known as the Royall House & Slave Quarters museum, today. Ten Hills Farm tells the story of five generations of enslavers connected to this labor camp and how it was tied into the larger Transatlantic slave trade.

A People's History of the New Boston

The 1960s and 1970s represented a critical season of rebuilding for Boston following the impact of WWII. While wealthy, White men are often given credit for this transformation, this book tells the story of unsung influencers who, through grass-roots demonstrations, sit-ins, picket lines, boycotts, and contentious negotiations shaped Boston into the city we know today.

The New Bostonians: How Immigrants Have Transformed the Metro Area Since the 1960s

Between 1970 and 2010, the percentage of foreign-born, Boston residents more than doubled due to immigration from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The New Bostonians explores these immigrant communities' invaluable contributions and their crucial role in nurturing Boston's prosperity - the fruits of which have not been equally shared.

Shut Out: A Story of Race and Baseball in Boston

Shut Out is the compelling story of Boston's racial divide viewed through one of the city's most renowned institutions: the Boston Red Sox. This story is told from the perspective of Boston native and noted sportswriter Howard Bryant.

Busing at 50

The Boston Busing Crisis of the mid 1970s garnered national attention as the city experienced mass protests and violence after the Boston Public School system attempted to implement school integration. Sadly, 50 years later, the Boston public education system is still unequal and still segregated. Explore this Boston Globe Series Broken Promises, Unfulfilled Hope that reflects 50 years after the Boston Busing Crisis.

Sarah's Long Walk: The Free Blacks of Boston and How Their Struggle for Equality Changed America 

In 1847, a five-year-old African American girl named Sarah Roberts was forced to walk past five white schools to attend the poor and densely crowded all-black Abiel Smith School on Boston's Beacon Hill. Incensed that his daughter had been turned away at each white school, her father, Benjamin, sued the city of Boston on her behalf. The historic case that followed set the stage for over a century of struggle, culminating in 1954 with the unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage and Reckoning

In 1989, Charles Stuart reported that his white wife had been murdered by a Black man. Boston’s deeply seated racism tainted the investigation and worked the city into a frenzy, before it was revealed that Stuart killed his wife by his own hand. Learn more about the Charles Stuart case - and the long-standing racial tension that shaped it - by watching this three-part docuseries or going deep through Boston Globe podcasts.

Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street

Explore how, in 1985, the Dudley Street Neighborhood of Roxbury worked together to overcome barriers of systemic racism and rebuild the fabric of their neighborhood. This community movement gained national attention, set legal precedent, and models how residents, community activists, and city officials can organize for change.

Forever Struggle: Activism, Identity, and Survival in Boston's Chinatown, 1880-2018

Chinatown has a long history in Boston. In writing about Boston Chinatown's long history, Michael Liu, a lifelong activist and scholar of the community, charts its journey and efforts for survival. Liu depicts its people, organizations, internal battles, and varied and complex strategies against land-taking by outside institutions and public authorities. Chinatown is a powerful example of neighborhood agency, the power of organizing, and the prospects of such neighborhoods in rapidly growing and changing cities.

Black Bostonians: Family Life and Community Struggle in the Antebellum North

When published in 1979, Black Bostonians was the first comprehensive social history of an antebellum northern black community. The Hortons challenged the then widely held view that African Americans in the antebellum urban north were all trapped in "a culture of poverty." Exploring life in black Boston from the 18th century to the Civil War, they combined quantitative and traditional historical methods to reveal the rich fabric of a thriving society, where people from all walks of life organized for mutual aid, survival, and social action, and which was a center of the antislavery movement.

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Local Historical Sites

Explore local historical sites that honor the journeys of different groups.

•  A plaque and developing memorial highlighting the Native American internment camp that was held on Deer Island, one of the Boston Harbor Islands. Tours of Deer Island briefly acknowledge this injustice.

• Middle Passage Port Marker on Long Wharf. The Boston Middle Passage Marker looks two ways: Out to Boston Harbor, where enslaved Africans and enslaved Indigenous people arrived and departed, and also inward, down State Street, where these enslaved people and their descendants lived, worked, and fought for freedom.

• The Royall House and Slave Quarters in Medford.

• The Black Heritage Trail, African Meeting House, and African American History Museum in Boston.

• A variety of cultural sites in Chinatown highlighted in videos from the Boston Chinatown Heritage Project, created by teens in partnership with the Chinese Historical Society of New England and others.

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Author’s Note: Resource descriptions are based on language from their respective promotional websites and have been paraphrased for the purposes of RCCI.

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Starter Resources on Race for White Evangelicals

Starter Resources on Race for White Evangelicals

by Megan Lietz

Biblical and Theological Foundations

As with all matters, it’s important that we root our understanding in God’s word. Explore the following resources to better understand the biblical and theological foundation of continuing God’s redemptive work across racial lines.

A Theology of Racial Healing:  Though the word “racism” is not used in the Bible, scripture tells the story of God reconciling all people to himself and one another. In this resource, RCCI suggests a Biblically-grounded theology on Christ's redemptive work in the area of race relations.

The Sin of Racism: Though racism is often not named as a sin from the White evangelical pulpit, this article by Tim Keller explains from a biblical perspective how racism is a sin and that it manifests individually and corporately. Though there is disagreement around how to respond to racism, as Christians, we cannot leave this sin unaddressed. 

Ethnic Identity: Bringing Your Full Self to God: God gave each one of us ethnic identities that reflect the character and image of God. Explore what the Bible has to say about ethnicity and culture in this self-led Bible study for groups and individuals. It reveals how God sees our ethnic identity and uses it as a part of his redemptive plan.

Race & Racial Hierarchy as the Product of Broken Humanity

While our ethnicities were given to us by God, the social classification of race and the racial hierarchy it serves was a product of a broken humanity. To learn more about how the concept of race developed and was shaped by socio-historical realities, not God’s will, explore the following resources.

Race: The Power of Illusion: This is a three-part PBS documentary that explores the origins of race and how it is not a genetic reality, but a relatively new social construct. Though somewhat dated, the foundation laid here is important to understanding the concept of race. If only one episode is watched, it is recommended to watch Part 2: The Story We Tell. It can be rented on vimeo or is available via Kanopy subscription service, that may be available through a local library.

Our Experience and Identity as White People

In order to engage effectively as white people in issues of race we need to understand how our experiences and perspectives may be different from those of people of color. An important part of this is understanding the racial privilege and power we have as White people because of the color of our skin. For some perspective, check out the following resources.

If you’re looking for a primer on how aspects of our identity like race and gender grant us measures of privilege and how they can impact our lived experience check out Allan Johnson’s book, Privilege, Power, and Difference.

Waking Up White is a memoir by Debby Irving, a white woman who grew up in a predominantly white, wealthy suburb of Boston, about how she came to see and respond to her whiteness. Her journey can offer insights and encouragement for your own.

In, White Awake: An Honest Look at White It Means to Be White, Daniel Hill leads readers through phases of White identity development and offers biblical tools to navigate these seasons of growth. He also offers strong chapters on markers of racial awareness and action steps you can take to progress in your racial awareness journey.

Peggy McIntosh’s article, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, is a brief and classic work that gives examples of how white people may experience privilege in their daily life. Simply becoming aware of what privilege looks like and how it can manifest in our lives is a crucial step!

 

Engaging Issues of Race

As we explore our identity as white people, we need to consider how this shapes our role in engaging issues of race and develop a toolkit for effective action.

Woke Church, by Eric Mason, explores the biblical call to justice that is for all believers and how the Church can regain its prophetic voice and practice to confront racism in the United States.

How to Be Last: A Practical Theology for Privileged People is a blog post by Christena Cleveland that lays a theological foundation for the posture that white people should take as they follow people of color into the work of racial reconciliation.

Soong Chan Rah’s book, Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church, explores what Christians need to know and do to engage across racial lines in ways that are loving and respectful.

Mark Kramer’s article, Unpacking White Privilege: Feeling Guilty about Racial Injustice Isn’t the Point; the Point Is Doing Something About It complements Peggy’s McIntosh’s article by offering suggestions for how to respond to some of the privileges she identifies.

For additional resources, check out Next Step Resources for White Evangelicals.

Take ACTION

Contact Megan Lietz

Contact Megan Lietz

Megan Lietz, M.Div., STM, helps White evangelicals engage respectfully and responsible with issues of race. She is the director of EGC’s Race & Christian Community Initiative.

Boston Housing: Facts and Resources

Editor’s note: This resource was updated with the most recent research in May 2022.

Boston Housing: Data & Resource Guide

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Housing remains a critical and controversial community issue in Boston.

In the “Boston Housing Facts and Resources” guide below, we have compiled a list of resources with the latest information on housing data and plans, demographics, innovative models, organizations working in housing-related justice, and the mayor's Housing Innovation Lab.

Boston Housing Facts and Resources

Basic Facts

• Total number of housing units in Boston: 301,702 (2020 Decennial Census)

• Occupied units: 91.5% (276,057)

• Vacant units: 8.5% (25,645)

• Rental vacancy rate: less than 3%

• Owner-occupied units in Boston: 96,502 (35.3%) (2016-2020 ACS 5 yr. est)

• Renter-occupied units in Boston: 176,686 (64.7%) (2016-2020 ACS 5 yr. est)

• Over 50% of Boston housing units were built in 1939 or earlier.

• The percentage of owner-occupied housing increased from 33% in 2012 to 35.3% in 2020.

• BPDA Board Approved Projects in 2021

  • Number of new Residential Units: 6,555

  • Number of new On-site Income Restricted Housing Units: 2,366

• In Boston, the median owner-occupied home value was $581,000 in 2020, up from $395,000 in 2010 — an increase of $186,000.

• In Greater Boston in April 2022, the median price for a single-family home hit $845,000, and the median price for a condo rose to $716,500, according to the Greater Boston Association of Realtors.

• In Massachusetts, prices of single-family homes increased 28% between 2019 and 2021. (Kara Miller, Boston Globe, 12 May 2022).

• Over 40% of renters pay more than 35% of their household income for gross rent.

Boston Housing Authority (BHA)

• Kate Bennett, administrator

• (617) 988-4000

“In total, BHA currently owns and/or oversees approximately 12,623 rental units of public housing in Boston and houses more than 25,000 people under the public housing program. BHA owns 63 housing developments. Of the 63 developments, 36 are designated as elderly/disabled developments and 27 are designated as family developments. Three of the 27 family developments have elderly/disabled housing on site and one of the elderly developments has designated units for families.

In addition to housing developments, BHA administers approximately 11,469 rental assistance vouchers, otherwise known as Tenant-Based Section 8 vouchers, that allow families to rent in the private market and apply a subsidy to their rent. A similar state program assists an additional 700 households. With this assistance, residents are able to pay approximately 30-40 percent of their income toward rent, and BHA pays the remainder. BHA helps provide housing to approximately 29,000 people under these programs. In addition, BHA provides subsidies to more than 2,100 households under its Section 8 Project-Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation programs as well.”

Overall, the BHA is involved in assisting almost 60,000 people.

Finding Affordable Housing

The City of Boston website listing new and existing affordable housing units also has the link to sign up for the MetroList through which you can receive up-to-date information on new housing opportunities as well as housing programs and events. Some other resources for finding housing include the following Boston City webpages:

• www.bostonplans.org/housing/finding-housing

• www.bostonplans.org/housing/finding-housing/more-housing-resources

Resources

The Boston Foundation

The 2021 Greater Boston Housing Report Card recommends:

• Build on recent legislative momentum around zoning and housing production by legalizing small-scale multifamily housing and expanding the mandate for multifamily zoning in MBTA communities.

• Improve the quality and frequency of transit service, both to better serve transit-dependent populations and to better support new or planned housing development.

• Advance housing equity by making local inclusionary zoning policies more universal and more effective and by advancing state and local policies that limit displacement.

• Advance building techniques and strategies with great potential to reduce housing production costs.

City of Boston

Housing Boston 2030

Released in 2014, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 was former Mayor Marty Walsh’s original housing plan.

Housing Boston 2030: 2018 Update

By 2018, the original 2014 Housing plan was revised to account for the greater population growth that was being projected by 2018 and thus a need for even more new housing.

2020 Annual Report for HOUSING BOSTON 2030

According to the report, 3,300 new housing units were permitted in 2020, which included 1,023 income-restricted units.

In 2019, 40,933 students were living on campus or in university-provided housing, 9,917 lived off-campus in their family home, and 36,288 lived off-campus and not at home. 5,245 new beds were completed or were in the process of being built by 2020.

Quarterly Housing Progress reports on Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030

• Boston 2030 includes quarterly reports for 2015 through 2018.

City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development

• 26 Court St., 8th & 9th Floors, Boston, MA 02108-2501

• neigborhooddevelopment.dnd@cityofboston.gov

• 617-635-3880

• The Department of Neighborhood Development works with communities to improve Boston’s neighborhoods through investing public resources. Its main jobs are to create housing options, support tenants, foster homeownership, end homelessness, and manage the City’s real estate.

Imagine Boston 2030 Housing Goals

• General goal: Reduce housing cost burden for Bostonians.

  • Decrease portion of low- and middle-income households that are severely housing-cost burdened.

• Initiatives to encourage housing production, increase affordable housing options, and reduce displacement. The city seeks to:

  • Work to increase overall housing supply.

  • Deploy a suite of tools to support the preservation of affordable housing citywide.

  • Pursue policies that encourage the production and maintenance of deed-restricted low-, moderate-, and middle-income housing.

  • Aspire to higher levels of affordability in geographies where this is feasible.

  • Stabilize housing and reduce displacement. (The City established the Office of Housing Stability to prevent evictions, foreclosures, and displacement.)

  • Partner with neighboring municipalities to identify and consider regional solutions to housing challenges.

  • Support homeownership by: › Assisting moderate- and middle-income Bostonians to purchase and maintain their first home through a variety of homebuyer and homeowner programs including prioritizing pathways to homeownership for tenants.

Community Preservation Act

A significant amount of money is now available from this tax supplement.

• Thadine Brown, director, THADINE.BROWN@BOSTON.GOV

• 617-635-0545

Churches may apply for Community Preservation Funds (with some limitations). Examples: Charles St. AME, Roxbury Presbyterian, and Second Church in Dorchester. Grants will be made available for three types of initiatives or projects:

1. Affordable housing

2. Historic preservation

3. Parks, outdoor recreation, and open spaces

The Mayor’s Housing Innovation Lab

It seeks to increase housing affordability by testing innovative housing models and accelerating the pace of innovation in the housing sector.

• 26 Court St., 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02108-2501

• HOUSINGILAB@BOSTON.GOV

• 617-635-0259

Projects of the Housing Innovation Lab:

1. Plugin House Initiative: The Plugin House demonstrates the possibilities of backyard homes and smaller living to provide housing affordable to all.

2. Housing with Public Assets: Could building housing on top of, or next to, city buildings, such as libraries and community centers, benefit our communities?

3. Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot: We’re offering affordable housing to graduate students while helping local homeowners and communities. This plan aims to encourage age-friendly development in the City. We’re also exploring different housing options in communities through a “Homeshare” network. This network matches older homeowners with extra rooms to rent to people who need to rent a room. This uses the Nesterly housing app.

4. Additional Dwelling Unit Pilot: This pilot program seeks to streamline the process for homeowners looking to create an additional unit. This 18-month pilot program allows owner occupants in East Boston, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to carve out space within their homes to create smaller, independent units, known as Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). The program aims to help homeowners take advantage of the existing space in their homes, which can help people age in place and prevent displacement.

5. Urban Housing Unit Roadshow: Through our interactive exhibit, we heard from the Boston community about what they think about compact-size living units. The Urban Housing Unit was a compact apartment on wheels. The Housing Innovation Lab took it from downtown Boston to Roslindale, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, and East Boston. The 385 square-foot, one-bedroom unit was modular and fully furnished. Evidence shows that smaller, modular units can be built much cheaper than traditional housing.

6. Housing Innovation Competition: The Lab asked development teams to propose innovative compact living designs. The goal of the competition was to show that small, affordable family units are feasible. The competition took place from November 2016 to June 2017. This wasn’t just an ideas competition. The subjects of the competition were five city-owned properties in the Garrison Trotter neighborhood in Roxbury. The winning proposals in the competition would be built there.

7. Density Bonus Pilot Program: This pilot initiative allowed developers in the program to increase the height or floor area of their units. In exchange, they would restrict the income on a percentage of their residential units. The City created new density bonus zoning for the Strategic Planning Areas of PLAN: JP/Rox and PLAN: Dot Ave. This seeks to increase the number of affordable housing units.

8. Simplifying the Homebuying Process: After research with recent first-time homebuyers, the Housing Innovation Lab developed a framework to better support first-time buyers through the complex process. This framework keeps in mind the unique paths different individuals take in buying a house. The results were put into use by the Boston Home Center.

The Boston Home Center

• 26 Court St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

• 617-635-4663

The Boston Home Center is the City’s one-stop-shop for homebuyers and homeowners. The Boston Home Center helps Boston residents purchase, improve, and keep their homes. We offer training, financial help, and counseling to first-time homebuyers, guidance and funding for homeowners for home improvements, and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure. The Home Center also markets homes developed for income-eligible, first-time homebuyers. The website also has information on current home-buying lottery drawings for income-eligible families.

Other Organizations

Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust

• 550 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA 02119

• (617) 237-6015

• Meridith Levy, executive director, mlevy@bnclt.org

Mission: “Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust works to combat displacement and racial injustice by creating permanently affordable, community-controlled housing in the Boston area, with a specific geographic focus on Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. BNCLT builds neighborhood stability, housing equity, and community strength among low- and moderate-income residents most at risk of displacement; and through the collective strength of partners working toward a shared, equitable, and just future.”

Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA)

• 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester MA 02124

• 617-822-9100

• Symone Crawford, executive director

MAHA’s mission is to educate and mobilize to increase affordable homeownership opportunities, break down barriers facing first-time and first-generation homebuyers, and close the racial-wealth and homeownership gaps.

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)

• 160 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110

• 617-330-9955; Toll-Free 877-MHP-FUND

A statewide public nonprofit affordable housing organization that works in concert with the Governor and the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to help increase the supply of affordable housing in Massachusetts.

See also the MHP One Mortgage Program.

Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC)

• 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111

• 617-933-0700

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston. Its mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Its regional plan, MetroFuture, guides its work as it engages the public in responsible stewardship of the region’s future.

MAPC recently released a new long-range regional plan for Greater Boston, called MetroCommon 2050.

The housing chapter of this plan recommends these goals:

Homes for Everyone

• Ensure that people of all races and income levels have equal access to affordable housing through homeownership and rental opportunities.

• Ensure adequate protections against displacement for communities and residents of color, low-income communities, and renters.

• Accelerate the production of diverse housing types, particularly deed-restricted affordable housing, throughout the region.

The Planning Council produced an influential report on projected population and housing trends: Reardon, Tim, and Meghna Hari. “Population and Housing Demand Projections for MetroBoston,” 2014.

“To help the region and its communities plan for a changing and uncertain future, MAPC has prepared projections of population change, household growth, and housing demand for Metro Boston and its municipalities. ... More than 400,000 new housing units — mostly multifamily, and mostly in urban areas — will be needed by the year 2040 if the region is to keep growing its economic base.”

Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP)

This city policy requires that developers of buildings with 10 or more units seeking zoning relief or building on City of Boston-owned land set aside a percentage of their units as affordable to moderate- to middle-income households. The IDP leverages resources from the strong private housing market to build or finance affordable housing. Any proposed residential development of 10 or more units that is either (1) financed by the city, (2) on property owned by the city or BPDA/BRA, or (3) that requires zoning relief must designate 13% of the total number of units on-site as affordable units. The developer may meet the requirement under certain conditions with special approvals by a financial contribution to the IDP Fund. Another alternative allows the developer to create new affordable units separate from but within the vicinity (within one-half mile) of the project in an amount equal to or greater than 18% of the total number of units.

The term that units will remain affordable is generally 30 years with the city’s right to extend that another 20 years. The policy contains various details defining affordability and financial details for three zones of the city (Zone A: downtown; Zone B: middle zone; and Zone C: outer neighborhoods). In general, affordability is calculated on percentages of income compared to the Area Median Income (AMI).

Over the life of the program, developers have directly created 2,599 income-restricted units, and IDP funds have created 1,414 income-restricted units. Thus, the IDP policy has resulted in 4,013 income-restricted housing units in Boston. If the restricted units have higher percentages of the AMI, they may still not be affordable to some lower-income residents.

Habitat for Humanity, Greater Boston

• 240 Commercial St., 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

• (617) 423-2223

• James Kostaras, president and CEO

• volunteers@habitatboston.org

Retail Outlet: ReStore (Habitat’s Donation and Home Improvement Outlet store)

• 1580 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132

• 617-327-1170

• ReStore@habitatboston.org

A faith-based, charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to building simple low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity believes homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and contributes to pride in families and communities.

Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. They bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope by revitalizing neighborhoods, building sustainable and affordable housing solutions, and empowering families through successful homeownership.

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, land, and materials, Habitat Greater Boston builds simple, decent houses. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay a mortgage. They complete 300 hours of sweat equity by helping to construct their future home or working in other capacities alongside staff, volunteers, and sponsors. They also participate in homeowner education classes, like financial management and estate planning. Qualified families purchase Habitat homes with no down payment and pay an interest-free mortgage to Habitat, which enables them to afford owning their own home.

Habitat’s ReStore Outlet receives donations and either uses them in the homes they build or resells them at 50-70% off retail to the general public. These items include building and construction materials, home furnishings, and appliances, etc. Sales help fund new homes.

Habitat Greater Boston is a participant in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. They are taking a holistic approach to creating change in our neighborhoods that have the greatest need for stability. This means joining residents, nonprofits, businesses and local government to discover what is needed most in a neighborhood, and helping to implement a shared vision of revitalization. Our focus neighborhood is Codman Square in Dorchester. They have partnered with the Codman Square Neighborhood Council to identify important ways to improve the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Habitat has mobilized volunteers and future homeowners to build homes in Dorchester, Roxbury, Roslindale, South Boston, Mission Hill, and other communities. Although they only work on a few projects each year, they keep building year after year, resulting in many homes being built over the last 25 years with and for low-income families.

Additional Resources

• Dorchester Not For Sale

• Dudley Square Neighborhood Initiative

• Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

• Office of Housing Stability

• Reclaim Roxbury

• City Life/Vida Urbana

• BMA Tenpoint (Black Ministerial Alliance / Ten Point Coalition)

• Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Contact Rudy

Contact Rudy Mitchell

Resources for Christians Navigating Political & Theological Divides

Resources for Christians Navigating Political & Theological Divides

Compiled by Andrew Tsou and Dean Borgman

We live in polarizing times—but we’re not the first. Many time-tested kingdom principles about how to engage with others in political matters are already recorded in insightful Christian books and resources.

““Moving out to do something has to have a deeply spiritual basis.” - Professor Dean Borgman”

On November 9, 2018, the Emmanuel Gospel Center held its first Long View Session—a new series of gatherings where seasoned, visionary ministry thinkers discuss matters crucial to the future of urban ministry and Christian engagement in society. At the inaugural session, Professor Dean Borgman discussed Christians’ call to engage in political conversation amidst explosive and frayed emotions in our nation, state, and communities, and he offered tips and resources to light the way.

Upcoming Long View Sessions

Tell me about upcoming Long View Sessions!

Long View Session participants also had the opportunity to share ways that they’re already engaging—well, poorly, or not at all—with friends and family on issues of political relevance.

“Moving out to do something has to have a deeply spiritual basis,” Prof. Borgman cautioned. For biblical principles on how to engage well about politically-charged issues when talking to friends, family, and people on the other side of political divides, check out Dean’s recommended resources below.

Suggested Resources

The New York Times, September 29, 2018

“What should the role of Christians in politics be? More people than ever are asking that question. Christians cannot pretend they can simply transcend politics…. Those who simply avoid all political discussions and engagement are essentially casting a vote for the status quo.” - Pastor Tim Keller

Evangelicals on Public Policy Issues: Sustaining a Respectful Political Conversation by Harold Heie (2014)

“…One of my primary proposals for a “Way Forward” beyond the debacle of current American Politics that emerged from my recent eCircle on “Reforming American Politics” is that politicians and their supporters need to ‘develop personal relationships of mutual understanding and trust by listening to and talking respectfully with those who disagree with them’. …To develop such a personal relationship is to become a friend.” - Harold Heie

The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted by Obery Hendricks (2007)

Obery Hendricks is an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a former Wall Street Investment executive, and a scholar, professor, and author also of Living Water and The Universe Bends Toward Justice: Radical Reflections on the Bible, the Church, and the Body Politic (2011).

God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis (2006)

God’s Politics covers the taboos of talking about religion and politics, and how spiritual values impact international relations, economic justice, social issues, and social change.

The Politics of Jesus by James H. Yoder (1994)

“Tradition has painted a portrait of a Savior aloof from governmental concerns and whose teachings point to an apolitical life for his disciples….Such a picture of Jesus is far from accurate,” argues John Howard Yoder.

Yoder gives us a picture of a political Jesus, and offers a polemic for Anabaptist pacifism.

Other Movements, Organizations & Resources

Civilitas, Doug Birdsall

Civilitas represents a foundational commitment to strengthen the influence of the Bible and the role of the Church as a means of bringing healing and cohesion to our fragmenting society.

Civil conversations will work to change the tone of our society by supplanting vitriolic public discourse with respectful listening, constructive exchange, and positive partnerships.

Revive Civility, from the National Institute for Civil Discourse: To Restore and Call for Civility in our Democracy

Integrated research, practice and policy to support and engage: 

• Elected officials who are capable of working to solve the big issues facing our country.

• A public that demands civil discourse as well as government that works in the best interests of the country as a whole. 

• A media that informs citizens in a fair and responsible way.

Citizen Engagement and Civil Discourse Resources

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is committed to the success of all legislators and staff. Its mission is to:

• Improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures.

• Promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures.

• Ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth

Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth

by Rudy Mitchell and Steve Daman

Want to know where to plant a church in Boston? You might consider Boston’s newest or soon-to-be-built residential growth sites. New neighborhoods and new residents mean new opportunities for planting new churches.

Take a look at these eight neighborhoods of current or immanent growth, based on public and private development plans. Given the general population trends, these are priority areas for outreach and new churches.

Map showing plans for potential expanded neighborhoods, from Imagine Boston Expanding Opportunity, City of Boston, Draft November 2016, p. 25

Neighborhood change is ongoing. Boston’s new neighborhood development will not happen all at once. Some areas have residential developments in process or already completed, like the Seaport District, the South End, Jamaica Plain, and to some extent Allston-Brighton. Other areas, like South Boston and Charlestown, already have many new young professionals and some new housing, but much more will be built in the next five years. Other areas, specifically Suffolk Downs and the Beacon Yards part of Allston, will most likely take more than five more years to develop.

Your geographic and demographic focus. Of course, reaching into newer neighborhoods is not for everyone. Ministry leaders should prayerfully select their geographic focus and adapt their strategies to the types of residents they are called to serve. The church in the city can be adapted in countless ways, and church planters can reach and serve a diversity of current and newer residents because the Gospel is for all people. Congregations may—by their form, style, or language—be better equipped to reach specific groups of people with whom they can make the most impact.

Church planters seeking primarily to reach specific immigrant groups like Nigerians, Brazilians, or Vietnamese, for example, need to know where these nationalities are more concentrated. Churches seeking to serve college students need to find meeting space within walking distance of campuses or in reach of public transportation while being sensitive to the needs, concerns and culture of students. Leaders seeking to reach and serve Boston’s new population growth areas will need to take the time to understand the characteristics, cultures, work, and interests of the people who will be living there.

Here’s a look at eight of the bigger residential development areas across the city:

1. Seaport District by the Waterfront. While there are many new high-rise housing and office buildings being built here, there are very few churches in the area.

2. South End. The northeastern and eastern parts of the South End from the Ink Block to the Boston Medical Center between Albany and Washington Streets will soon have hundreds of new apartments and condos which are being planned and built. Will the South End churches be ready?

3. South Boston from Andrew Square to the Broadway MBTA stations. Although still in the future, “Plan: South Boston Dorchester Avenue” calls for 6,000 to 8,000 new housing units. DJ Properties is also building Washington Square, a mixed use development near Andrew Station with 656 residential units. The nearby Widett Circle and New Market/South Bay areas are also potential major development sites proposed by the City of Boston. Currently there are already many new housing units and new residents around Broadway and in South Boston generally. The neighborhood has few Protestant churches.

Nine-building Washington Square Development with 656 residential units approved and to be completed in the next four years.

4. Charlestown – Sullivan Square and other areas. The Sullivan Square area is one of the six main areas the City of Boston has proposed for major housing expansion. Meanwhile the 1,100 units of the Bunker Hill Housing Development will be totally redeveloped into 3,200 units of mixed housing. Charlestown has very few Protestant churches.

Bunker Hill Housing Development Plans

5. Allston Brighton – Beacon Yards. This is one of the six major areas proposed by the City for development into new expanded neighborhoods. The Boston Landing Campus of New Balance is an area with new residential units and Stop & Shop will be building 1,000 new housing units. Other major housing developments are in the works as well.

Boston Landing in Allston near New Balance (NB Development Group and HYM)

Residential development with 295 units for 2018 opening.

6. Roxbury – from Dudley Square area to Ruggles MBTA station. Coming up in the next several years is the recently approved $500M Tremont Crossing development with over 700 apartments. The nearby Whittier St. Housing Project received funding for a full redevelopment into an expanded mixed income development. Other significant residential developments are also in the works, and Northeastern University is expanding in the area with high-rise dorms.

Tremont Crossing, just one mile from EGC

Whittier Choice redevelopment with 387 units of mixed income housing in three new buildings.

Whittier Choice redevelopment near Ruggles Station.

7. Jamaica Plain – Forest Hills Station. This area is booming with several large new housing developments in various stages of planning and completion. Also, the nearby Washington Street corridor recently completed a new (and controversial) plan which includes potential new residential development in addition to what is already being built in the area. Although there are some thriving churches in this area, because there will be so many new residents there is room for more churches not only here, but throughout Jamaica Plain.

The Residences at Forest Hills

8. Suffolk Downs. In the future, this former racetrack will likely become a whole new community. This massive 161-acre site is one of the six major areas proposed by the city for expansion, and was recently purchased by a developer, HYM Investments. This could become one of the largest developments in the whole region.

Planting now for future harvest. As these new communities emerge across the city, the need to plant new congregations should be high on the list for Christians in Boston as we think about the witness and work of the Kingdom of God over the next few decades.

Take Action

Learn more about the City’s plans for housing new residents.

Connect with the Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative.

Urban Youth Culture Research [Resource List]

Urban Youth Culture Research [Resource List]

by Rev. Dean Borgman, Professor of Youth Ministry

How are people of faith to understand urban youth culture? How can the Church best interact with urban youth?

This post provides qualitative research resources for the urban youth practitioner to develop a framework and approach for more effective ministry.

Current Resources

“Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship,” by Gregory Boyle (2017)

Though not social science, Barking to the Choir offers what I call “qualitative research snapshots”. This spiritual and biblical reflection on the lives of L.A. homies illustrates what is required for effective qualitative research: time spent and trust felt.  Urban researchers will see possible results of their work, as this book describes how homies from negative origins can transform into effective workers and young entrepreneurs.

“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” by Gregory Boyle (2010)

Though Father Boyle is not a social science researcher, what this white, adult, professional (a priest) displays in the way relationships can provide the most "human" kind of information, and serve as a passage from gang-ridden neighborhoods to positive community development (a thriving bakery business). This book is about a God who shows up in surprising ways and places with unconditional compassion, sense of humor, strength and firmness.

Urban Research Network

This site includes description of “Community-Based Participatory Research,” “Research, Action, Activism: Urban Gathers for Third National Meeting: ‘critical solidarities and multi-scalar powers,’” and “From Youth Organizers to Social Justice Activists' Experiences of Youth Organizers Transitioning to Adulthood.”

Emmanuel Gospel Center, Boston

Teens of the Making Youth Voices Heard program meeting with students of Boston College School of Social Work in Roxbury, MA, February 2018.

EGC has engaged in urban applied research in collaboration with other agencies for decades.

• EGC Youth Resources

• Youth Violence Systems Project

• Making Youth Voices Heard

 

 

 

 

Resources on Economic Systems

Without understanding economic realities surrounding urban youth, we do not have a complete picture of what drives youth culture. Employment challenges and informal/underground economic systems are two of these realities. For a recent study of global informal underground economic systems, see Edgar L. Feige and Paulina Restrepo-Echavarria.  

“Defining and Estimating Underground and Informal Economies: The New Institutional Approach,” by Edgar L. Feige (10 Jun 16)

“Measuring Underground Economy Can Be Done, but It Is Difficult,” by Paulina Restrepo-Echavarria (Jan 2015)

Classic Resources

Article:  “The Code of the Streets,” by Elijah Anderson (May 1994), The Atlantic

Understanding the influences, behaviors, and motives of urban communities and their youth has been greatly furthered by the work of African-American sociologist Elijah Anderson, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania (and now Yale). Anderson’s work is must-reading for urban street workers and should be understood by all serving urban neighborhoods. It is worth quoting from this insightful article:

“Of all the problems besetting the poor inner-city black community, none is more pressing than that of interpersonal violence and aggression…. The inclination to violence springs from the circumstances of life among the ghetto poor—the lack of jobs that pay a living wage, the stigma of race, the fallout from rampant drug use and drug trafficking, and the resulting alienation and a general lack of hope for the future.”

Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City by Elijah Anderson (1999)

Anderson’s book further builds on his 1994 article and describes the details of the code of the streets that so strongly influences inner-city life. Inner-city youth come out of their apartments to “Win-Win/Lose-Lose” street situations… as part of a “zero-sum game.” They are forced into a “campaign for self-respect,” where “juice” (or power over others) are crucial. Code of the Street details the bigger picture—the systemic context for what average citizens see as a stereotype of urban lives from the evening news.

Streetwise: Race, Class and Social Change in an Urban Community by  Elijah Anderson (1990)

Anderson’s earlier book, Streetwise, is a careful analysis of social neglect and intrusion (gentrification) in urban life.

Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum by William Foote Whyte (1993)

Back in the late 1930s William F. Whyte, on a fellowship from Harvard, lived in Boston’s North End. As an early social scientist he attempted to describe life in that Italian-American community of first-and second-generation immigrants. First published in 1943, it was entitled Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum. Whyte’s work is important to us as it pioneered what he described as “participant observer research,” and provides a foundation for systems thinking ministry.  

Street Corner Research: An Experimental Approach to the Juvenile Delinquent by Ralph K. Schwitzgebel (1993)

Also coming out of Harvard and influenced by the work of William Whyte is Ralph Schweitzgebel’s Streetcorner Research: An Experimental Approach to the Juvenile Delinquent. Its considerations of qualitative research emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships for urban study of youth, and describes delinquency as having a variety of psychological and sociological causes.

Ain’t No Makin’ It: Aspirations & Attainment in a Low-Income Neighborhood by Jay MacLeod (1995)

Any urban program using interns, and certainly urban interns themselves, should be interested in the story of three students wandering into an urban housing project seeking to set up a youth program.

Working with youngsters in a poor neighborhood for several summers, the author decided to write his undergraduate thesis on the occupational aspirations of two contrasting cliques of older teenagers in the project—the Hallway Hangers and the Brothers: “I immersed myself in their peer cultures for a year and tried to understand the two groups from the inside. Exploring their aspirations led me into a thicket of enduring social issues about the nature of poverty, opportunity, and achievements in the United States.” MacLeod’s book continues to be a classic sociology text.

In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio by Philippe Bourgois (1995)

A study emphasizing the importance of urban economics is Philippe Bourgois’ “In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio”. This anthropologist and urban researcher moved into Spanish Harlem, NYC, and established long-term friendship and trust with Puerto Rican, street-level drug dealers... spending many a night in crack havens. “I was interested in the political economy of inner-city street culture…. I wanted to probe the Achilles heel of the richest industrialized nation in the world by documenting how it imposes racial segregation and economic marginalization on so many of its Latino/a and African-American citizens.”

Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago, by LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman with David Isay (1997)

Community programs hoping to use youthful residents for urban research can learn from Jones and Newman, two young teenagers who retrieve a story about the incomprehensible dropping of a five-year-old boy from a 14th floor window by 10-and 11-year old kids because he wouldn’t steal candy for them. With transistor recorders and some coaching from Isay, these teens collected what can be considered informal, qualitative research for two years—when they were thirteen and fourteen years old. Reading their report allows for a better understanding of inner-city values and attitudes.

“Constructing Meaning About Violence, School, and Community: Participatory Action Research with Urban Youth,” by Alice McIntyre (2000), The Urban Review, Vol.32, No.2, 2000.

A scholarly article describing how a group of adolescents were equipped to study and report on “a toxic environment, limited social services, poverty, crime, drugs, and inadequate educational resources.”

Final Note:  Most of the above suggest going beyond relief and incarceration and even prevention to community development. But few go as far as to suggest what needs to be changed in the realm of what might be called systemic injustice, which includes racism and classism. 

3 Movements Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church

3 Movements Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

The #MeToo movement has brought unprecedented public awareness of the scope of sexual assault against women in the U.S. experience. These three additional movements bring to light sexual and gender-based violence in the Church.

#ChurchToo Movement

Image from #ChurchToo: A Conference on Responding to Professional Sexual Misconduct, Columbia Bible College, March 25-46, 2018.

A nod to the extremely popular #MeToo movement, Emily Joy and Hannah Paasch coined #ChurchToo to emphasize that sexual grooming and abuse happen in church too, and are often covered up or sometimes even rewarded by those in power.

Read about the origin of the Twitter #ChurchToo movement

Read a Sojourners reflection, "Listening To and Addressing the Reality of #ChurchToo," from December, 2017

#SilenceIsNotSpiritual

The #SilenceIsNotSpiritual Twitter movement “calls on evangelical congregations and leaders to speak up and act on behalf of victims of gender-based violence who fear their stories will end up ignored or marginalized.”

“This moment in history is ours to steward. We are calling churches, particularly those in our stream of the Christian faith [evangelical churches], to end the silence and stop all participation in violence against women,” the statement reads.

WeWillSpeakOut.US

WeWillSpeakOut.US is a movement of diverse faith groups from across the U.S. joining together with other leaders for action and advocacy to end the silence around sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). 

WeWillSpeakOut.US produces "One in Three: Preventing Sexual Violence in Our Communities. A Guide to Help Faith Leaders Educate Congregations and Communities about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence." It includes guides and ideas for three sermons.

What Are We Missing?

2018 Resources for Urban Youth Workers on Cultural Trends

2018 Resources for Urban Youth Workers on Cultural Trends 

by Rev. Dean Borgman, Professor of Youth Ministry

While nothing can substitute for personal relationships of understanding and trust with youth, we also need to get a grip on the bigger picture. We need to see beyond our kids, family, church, and community—to what’s going on in the society and culture. These resources provide a wide angle lens on what our kids step into when they leave the house.

BEST GENERAL RESOURCES

Watch the watchers. Way back in 1980, I found out that the people who know the most about youth in this country are not the youth ministry professors (of which I am one), but the marketers. 

So I’ve been following the marketers and what they find out about young people. YPulse is one of the marketing sources I regularly visit. They regularly update information on trends in youth culture.

The Diversity Tipping Point, Experiencification, Adulting

Two scholars I’ve looked to for information especially in the last few years on trends in youth culture are MIT's Sherry Turkle and San Diego State University's Jean Twenge. 

Jean Twenge uses four major youth studies that come out every year from the government and universities, so her research is based on a sampling of 11 million teenagers—ample data to back up her conclusions.

Finally, the Barna Group, a broadly reputable Christian organization, does generational research.

 

SPECIAL FOCUS

If we're talking about youth in 2018, we're already talking about Black Panther and activism against gun violence. But two other issues deserve our special focus this year. These are depression and cell phone use.

DEPRESSION

 

CELL PHONE USE

Half of Teens Think They're Addicted to Their Smartphones

Teens and Dangerous Levels of Cell Phone Use

Teen cellphone addiction: How bad has it gotten?

We Need to Talk About Kids and Smartphones

Parents' Guide to Teens and Cell Phones

Organizations Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church

Organizations Against Gender-Based Violence in the Church 

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Do you feel called to help survivors of gender-based violence (domestic abuse, sexual assault, etc.)? See these recommended local and national organizations and see how you may be able to get involved.

Casa de Esperanza

This organization helps to develop effective responses to domestic violence and facilitates support systems in the lives of Latinas where they live.

Christian Coalition Against Domestic Abuse

This organization’s mission is to empower the community and its leadership by bringing awareness to the issue of domestic abuse so that through prayerful collaboration, education and intervention we end and prevent abusive behaviors.

Faith Trust Institute 

FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. provides multifaith and religion-specific intervention and prevention training, consulting, and educational materials for national, state, and community faith-based and secular organizations in the following areas:

• Domestic and Sexual Violence

• Healthy Teen Relationships, Preventing Teen Dating Violence

• Child Abuse, Children and Youth Exposed to Domestic Violence

• Healthy Boundaries for Clergy and Spiritual Teachers, Responding to Clergy Misconduct

• Trafficking of Persons

FOCUS Ministries - Faith-Based Domestic Violence Help for Women and Families

The two purposes of Focus Ministries are (1) To help women and families who find themselves in these difficult circumstances. The organization offers counseling by phone, email, or in person; FOCUS support groups; educational material, including a website with resources.

(2) To educate and train churches, organizations, support group leaders, and concerned friends and family members about the dynamics of domestic violence and abusive relationships.

Futures Without Violence 

“Futures Without Violence is a health and social justice nonprofit with a simple mission: to heal those among us who are traumatized by violence today – and to create healthy families and communities free of violence tomorrow.

From domestic violence and child abuse, to bullying and sexual assault, the organization’s groundbreaking programs, policy development, and public action campaigns are designed to prevent and end violence against women and children around the world.”

The website contains a large number of resources including audio webinars, blog articles, and materials which can be ordered as free downloads or free plus shipping (see “Resources”).

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is the voice of victims and survivors. We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. We do this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change.

National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline connects individuals to help in their area by using a nationwide database that includes detailed information about domestic violence shelters, other emergency shelters, legal advocacy and assistance programs, and social service programs.

The RAVE Project

RAVE is an initiative that seeks to bring knowledge and social action together to assist families of faith impacted by abuse. This website includes online training sections, links to resources including videos.

Restored 

Restored is an international Christian Alliance that aims to transform relationships and end violence against women (VAW) by working through and with the church and Christians worldwide. The website offers many free resources including the following:

Aune, Kristin, and Rebecca Barnes. In Churches Too: Church Responses to Domestic Abuse: A Case Study of Cumbria. Cumbria, Eng.: University of Cumbria, University of Leicester, 2018.   The research report, In Churches Too, provides a helpful literature review and reference list, along with conclusions and recommendations that can have general application.

Ending Domestic Abuse: A Pack for Churches. (By Restored. 2016.) Although this material has sections that are specific to the United Kingdom, some parts are equally relevant in other countries (available in seven languages including Spanish & French).

VAWNet 

For over two decades, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence has operated VAWnet, an online network focused on violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence. VAWnet.org has long been identified as an unparalleled, comprehensive, go-to source of information and resources for anti-violence advocates, human service professionals, educators, faith leaders, and others interested in ending domestic and sexual violence.

What Are We Missing?

Homelessness by the Numbers: 2017 Boston & Beyond

Homelessness by the Numbers

2017 Boston & Beyond 

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

For the first time since 2010, US homelessness went up slightly in 2017. A one-night count in January 2017, found 553,742 people across the country living outside or in shelters.

To reduce homelessness among our fellow Massachusetts residents, we must have a clear picture of who is currently affected by homelessness. If we understand the Who? of homelessness, we are one step towards understanding the Why? and the How is this best addressed?

Who is currently experiencing homelessness in our local area? The numbers below might surprise you—they may not represent who first comes to mind when you hear the word 'homeless'. 

MASSACHUSETTS

17,565 people

Total number of people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts in January 2017

21,112 students

Number of students identified and served by Massachusetts public schools during the 2016-2017 school year who had experienced homelessness in the past year.

3,580 families

Number of families with children, including pregnant women, in Massachusetts’ Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program in September 2017. About 51 of these families were living in motels as of August 31.

 

BOSTON, MA

2,379 single adults, 3800 people in families

6179 people were found to be experiencing homelessness in the 2017 City of Boston Homeless Census. This includes 2,379 single adults and 3,800 people in 1,239 families.

Boston Homelessness Winter Trends

Data from City of Boston Annual Homeless Census Reports (point-in-time counts).

Cambridge, MA

463 people in shelters, 67 people sleeping on the street

530 people were counted in the 2017 Census of the homeless population in Cambridge, comprising 135 people in families, and 395 single individuals. This included 67 unsheltered people (on the streets).

Take Action to End Homelessness

"We believe that better cooperation amongst churches and community organizations could better serve the current need," writes Rev. Cynthia Hymes-Bell of EGC's Starlight Ministry. 

"Our vision is that every church and Christian group in Greater Boston who wants to engage people affected by homelessness will be equipped to do so wisely." 

Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent & End Homelessness

Volunteer / Intern with Starlight

Connect with Starlight Ministry

Connect with Starlight Ministries

Contact Starlight Ministries

Gender Based Violence & the Church [Resources]

Gender Based Violence and the Church [Resources]

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

The Church has a critical role in prevention, intervention, and healing from gender-based violence (GBV). GBV includes domestic abuse, sexual assault, incest, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, most often directed towards females.

GBV happens in every corner of the U.S., and it happens in church families. Church leadership can equip themselves to respond with wisdom and skill when we become aware of GBV in our church or community.

Healing the Wounded Heart, 2017

See also the companion workbook and conference audio of the same title. See also the Allender Center website for information and resources. 

The mission of The Allender Center is to "foster redemption and healing in individuals, couples, and communities by helping them tell their stories with awareness and integrity while also training leaders and professionals to engage the stories of others with courage, artistry, and care."

Religion & Intimate Partner Violence, 2017

Because this book is based on many years of research, it can give evidence and illustrations for its many insights, principles, and proposed solutions.

Each chapter presents key findings in numbered points with detailed descriptions and illustrations, followed by proposed solutions and practical applications based on extensive research and experience.

The chapters deal with ministry with victims/survivors, and also with abusers (based on additional research). Another chapter explores the complex dynamics within the congregation as a whole when dealing with domestic violence ministry.

Two final chapters cover the need for more training for church leaders, with specific suggestions, and the importance of collaborative community responses.  This very readable study is perhaps the most comprehensive, research-based, and practical book on this topic.

Broken Vows

FaithTrust Institute

Broken Vows, 1994

This film is a two‐part (37 minutes and 22 minutes) documentary that presents the religious perspectives on domestic violence including Jewish, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical Christian. There is also a Spanish language version.

Domestic Violence: What Churches Can Do

Faith Trust Institute

Domestic Violence: What Churches Can Do, 2009.

This is a 20‐minute video to be used with a 24‐page study guide and brochures in a one hour educational program. Offers basic information on domestic violence, as well as concrete ideas about how congregations can become involved in prevention and offer a safe space for battered women.

 

RESOURCES BY TOPIC

General

Storkey, Elaine. Scars Across Humanity: Understanding and Overcoming Violence Against Women.  Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2018.

Domestic Battery / Wife Abuse / Intimate Partner Violence

Alsdurf, James, and Phyllis Alsdurf. Battered Into Submission: The Tragedy of Wife Abuse in the Christian Home. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 1998. (originally- Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1989).

Basham, Beth, and Sara Lisherness, editors. Striking Terror No More: The Church Responds to Domestic Violence. 2nd edition. Louisville, Ken.: Bridge, Resources, 2006. Although written with Presbyterian churches in mind, this book with its essays, worksheets, and workshop lesson plans can be used in other churches.

Broken Silence: A Call for Churches to Speak Out—Protestant Pastors Survey on Sexual and Domestic Violence. Washington, DC: Sojourners and IMA World Health, 2014.

Cooper‐White, Pamela. “Intimate Violence Against Women: Trajectories for Pastoral Care in a New Millennium.” Pastoral Psychology 60, no. 6 (2011):809-855.

Ellison, Christopher G., and Kristin L. Anderson. “Religious Involvement and Domestic Violence among U.S. Couples.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 40 (2001): 269-286.

Gaddis, Patricia Riddle.  Battered But Not Broken: Help for Abused Wives and Their Church Families. Valley Forge, Penn.: Judson Press, 1996.

Kroeger, Catherine Clark, and Nancy Nason-Clark. No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence. Revised ed. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2010.

Miles, Al. Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Should Know. Rev. ed. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2011.

Murphy, Nancy. God’s Reconciling Love: A Pastor’s Handbook on Domestic Violence. Seattle, Wash.: FaithTrust Institute, 2003.

Nason‐Clark, Nancy. The Battered Wife: How Christians Confront Family Violence. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1997.

Newton, Dorothy J. Silent Cry: The True Story of Abuse and Betrayal of an NFL Wife. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2015. Although her life appeared successful to outsiders, Dorothy Newton was being treated abusively by her husband, who was a Dallas Cowboy football star. This is a story of pain, survival, hope, recovery, and new life in relationship with Christ.

Family Violence

Branson, Brendan, and Paula J. Silva. Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis. Valley Forge, Penn.: Judson Press, 2007.

Fortune, Marie M. Violence in the Family: A Workshop Curriculum for Clergy and Other Helpers. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 1991.

Kroeger, Catherine Clark, Nancy Nason-Clark, and Barbara Fisher-Townsend, editors. Beyond Abuse in the Christian Home: Raising Voices for Change. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 2008.

Miller, Melissa. A.  Family Violence: The Compassionate Church Responds. Scottdale, Penn.: Herald Press, 1994.

Sexual Assault / Abuse

Broken Silence: A Call for Churches to Speak Out—Protestant Pastors Survey on Sexual and Domestic Violence. Washington, DC: Sojourners and IMA World Health, 2014.

Pellauer, Mary D. Sexual Assault and Abuse ‐ A Handbook for Clergy and Religious Professionals. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1987.

Culture-Based Resources

Choi, Y. Joon. “Korean American Clergy Practices Regarding Intimate Partner Violence: Roadblock or Support for Battered Women?” Journal of Family Violence 30 (2015): 293-302.

Eugene, Toinette, and James Poling.  Balm for Gilead: Pastoral Care for African American Families Experiencing Abuse. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998.

White, Evelyn C.  Chain, Chain, Change: For Black Women in Abusive Relationships, 2nd edition. Seattle, Wash.: Seal Press, 1994.

Church/Religion-Based Studies

Cooper‐White, Pamela. The Cry of Tamar: Violence against Women and the Church’s Response. 2nd edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2012.

Ellison, Christopher G., Jenny A. Trinitapoli, Kristin L. Anderson, and Byron R. Johnson. “Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence.” Violence Against Women 13, no.11 (2007)): 1094-1112.

Heggen, Carolyn, H.  Sexual Abuse in Christian Homes and Churches. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1993.

Horton, Anne L., and Judith A. Williamson, editors. Abuse and Religion: When Praying Isn’t Enough. Lexington: Lexington Books, 1988. This extensive anthology is one of the most comprehensive.

Interrogating the Silence: Religious Leaders Attitudes Toward Sexual and Gender Based Violence.   Cambridge, Mass.: Science, Religion, and Culture program, Harvard Divinity School, 2015. Online at- https://src.hds.harvard.edu/files/srcp/files/rla-sgbv_final_report.pdf  Sojourners and IMA World Health, on behalf of WeWillSpeakOut.US, commissioned a survey of Protestant pastors’ views on sexual and domestic violence.

Johnson, Andy J., editor.  Religion and Men's Violence against Women.  New York: Springer, 2015.

Nason-Clark, Nancy, Barbara Fisher-Townsend, and Victoria Fahlberg, eds. Strengthening Families and Ending Abuse: Churches and Their Leaders Look to the Future. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 2013.

Volcano Press Staff, compilers. Family Violence and Religion: An Interfaith Resource Guide. Volcano, CA: Volcano Press, 1995.

For Women

Fortune, Marie M.  Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1995.

Holcomb Justin S., and Lindsey A. Holcomb.  Is It My Fault?: Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence. Chicago: Moody Press, 2014.

Holcomb, Justin S., and Lindsey A. Holcomb. Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault.  Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2011.

McCaig, Mari, and Edward S. Kubany. Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence: A Workbook for Women. Oakland, Calif.: New Harbinger Publications, 2004.

Nason-Clark, Nancy, and‎ Catherine Clark Kroeger. Refuge from Abuse: Healing and Hope for Abused Christian Women. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Abusive Men

Nason-Clark, Nancy, and Barbara Fisher-Townsend. Men Who Batter. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015.

Christian Leadership & Pastor Resources

LeRoux, Elisabet. “Men and Women in Partnership: Mobilizing Faith Communities to Address Gender-based Violence.” Diaconia  8, no. 1 (Apr 2017): 23-37.

Nason‐Clark, Nancy. “Clergy Referrals in Cases of Domestic Violence.” Family and Community Ministries 23, no. 4 (Winter- Spring 2010): 50-60.

Nason-Clark, Nancy, Catherine Clark Kroeger, and Barbara Fisher-Townsend, editors. Responding to Abuse in Christian Homes: A Challenge to Churches and their Leaders. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2011.

Reed, Lou. “When Domestic Violence Knocks: It's All Too Common but Rarely Acknowledged. How to Minister Wisely and Well when It Shows up in your Congregation.” Leadership 30, no. 4 (Fall 2009): 74-78.

WeWillSpeakOut.US. Sacred Spaces. A Resource for Faith Communities to Prevent and Respond to Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Available online https://wewillspeakout.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Sacred-Spaces-.pdf

Tron, Claudia. “Challenges for the Life and Mission of the Churches: Our Lived Experience of Gender-based Violence.”  Reformed World 66, no. 2 (2016): 26-36.

Zust, Barbara L., Jaclyn Housley, and Anna Klatke. “Evangelical Christian Pastors’ Lived Experience of Counseling Victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence.”  Pastoral Psychology 66, no. 5 (Oct 2017): 675-687.

Theology & Preaching

Adams, Carol J., and Marie M. Fortune, editors. Violence against Women and Children: A Christian Theological Sourcebook. New York: Continuum, 1998.

Anderson, Kenton C.  “Preaching that Encourages Peace and Safety in the Christian Home.” Preaching.com, accessed April 2018.

Bussert, Joy M.K. Battered Women: From a Theology of Suffering to an Ethic of Empowerment. New York: Division for Mission in North America, Lutheran Church in America, 1986.

Cummings, Chloe. What Would Jesus Do about Domestic Violence and Abuse towards Christian Women?  A Biblical and Research-based Exploration for Church Leaders, Counselors, Church Members, and Victims. N.p.: Booklocker.com, Inc., 2010.

Kroeger, Catherine Clark, and James R. Beck, editors. Women, Abuse, and the Bible: How Scripture Can Be Used to Hurt or to Heal. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1996.

McClure, John, and Nancy Ramsay, editors. Telling the Truth: Preaching About Sexual and Domestic Violence. Cleveland: United Church Press, 1998.

What Are We Missing?

Understanding Roxbury Today

Understanding Roxbury Today

(header photo: Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, the new headquarters for Boston Public Schools, in Dudley Square, Roxbury. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Boston's Roxbury neighborhood is home to many of the city’s African American and Hispanic residents and offers many historic and contemporary assets to the city as a whole.

Community culture is celebrated through visual and performing arts, and in many houses of worship. Several parks, including Franklin Park with its Zoo, greenspace, and Golf Course, offer recreational outlets to the community. The Reggie Lewis Center offers space for exercise and a world-class track and field venue.

Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Boston – The Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME) and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dudley Square

As a result of several stages of community development and renewal, this neighborhood at the geographic center of the city is on the rise. New business and housing initiatives are renewing the Dudley Square and Grove Hall districts. Blue Hill Avenue is no longer a street full of vacant lots.

Like many Boston neighborhoods, Roxbury is in transition. Long-term residents seek to benefit from positive changes, while preventing displacement and other negative effects of development and potential gentrification.

First Church of Roxbury

Franklin Park, Hole #6, on the William J. Devine Golf Course

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Roxbury Voice: Life in Roxbury 

“I love it. I love living in Roxbury. I love the location. God created an optimum situation for us to move [here]. It’s worked for us as a family, as well as for ministry."

—Pastor Cynthia Hymes Bell, Director of Starlight Ministries

Pastor Cynthia Hymes Bell, Director of Starlight Ministries of Emmanuel Gospel Center

Cynthia moved into Roxbury in 2005 and has been deeply involved in the community up to the current day.

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Residents of Roxbury

Residents By Race

Total population – 51,714

Total Population – 51,714

Population Growth – Roxbury grew by 23% from 2000 to 2016, (doubling Boston's growth of 12% over the same time period).

Children – 29% of Roxbury residents are children (aged 0-19 years), higher than the 21% of Boston as a whole.

Female Householders – 34%. Roxbury, along with Mattapan, has the highest percentage (34.3%) of households headed by a female householder with no husband present of all Boston neighborhoods. The percentage for Massachusetts is 12.5%.

Foreign-born population – 14,006, or 27.1% in 2016, (up from 20.2% in 2000).

Language – 26% of Roxbury residents speak Spanish in the home.

Income – The median household income in Roxbury in 2016 was $26,883, which is less than half the Boston median of $58,769.

Black Culture – With over half of its residents identifying as Black/African Americans (compared to Boston’s 23%), Roxbury is still considered by many to be the heart of Black culture in Boston.

Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts website

The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) is a gateway that "fosters and presents the finest in contemporary, visual and performing arts from the global Black world. " 

The Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts opened in 2005, and continues to celebrate the culture of the community through visual and performing arts.

The Roxbury International Film Festival is the largest film festival in New England that annually celebrates people of color.

The Roxbury Cultural District "identifies and recognizes Roxbury's cultural assets and establishes the tools, strategies, resources, and spaces that elevate the community of Roxbury as a living repository of arts and cultural expression—past, present, and future."

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Roxbury Voice: Advice to Christian Leaders

“I’m planning to get more involved with my neighborhood association this year...to understand different viewpoints and political standpoints in regards to development...[housing and failing schools]...to show up at meetings and to have a voice."

— Pastor Cynthia Hymes Bell, Director of Starlight Ministries

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New Academy Estates

Housing – Roxbury has an unusually large percentage of its housing units that are renter-occupied (80%) compared to owner-occupied (20%). This is the highest rate of any non-student neighborhood in the city. (The U.S. proportion of renter-occupied units is 36%.)

Roxbury has the third highest number of housing units of any Boston neighborhood – 20,779. 

Roxbury’s growth is poised to continue, with 2,711 new units of housing approved from 2010 through 2017 (including new residential units being added to the Whittier Choice Neighborhood project). In addition, 626 additional residential units have been proposed and are under review. If all 3,337 units are built, this could add 8,500 or more new residents to the Roxbury neighborhood.

Roxbury Community College is a state-supported two-year coed liberal arts institution, founded in 1973.

Educational Attainment – From 2000 to 2016, the share of adult residents without a high school degree fell (32% to 25%) while the share with a bachelor’s degree rose (13% to 20%). Even though the percentage of college graduates increased, it is still the second-lowest of any neighborhood and far lower than the percentage of college graduates in most neighborhoods and Boston as a whole (46%).

(Primary source of data in this section: Boston in Context: Neighborhoods, Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), March 2018, based on the 2012-2016 American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census.)

The Shirley–Eustis House is a National Historic Landmark, built in Roxbury as a summer residence between 1747 and 1751.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Roxbury – Boston Planning and Development Agency

This site provides a short overview of Roxbury's history, as well as comprehensive details on the city's projects—past, present, and future. 

Roxbury Historical Society

To learn more about Roxbury's extensive history, visit this site. The Roxbury Historical Society headquarters are located at the Dillaway Thomas House in the Roxbury Heritage State Park.

Multi-Site Ministry In-Depth: Reading List

Multi-Site Ministry In-Depth: Reading List

By Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Highly Recommended

Bird, Warren. "Leadership Network/Generis Multisite Church Scorecards: Master Growth, More Believers and Greater Lay Participation." Leadership Network, 2014.

D’Angelo, David, and Ryan Stigile. MultiSite Church Pitfalls: 7 Dangers You Cannot Afford to Ignore. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.

Surratt, Geoff, Gregg Ligon, and Warren Bird. The Multi-Site Church Revolution. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2006.

Tomberlin, Jim, and Warren Bird. Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass, 2012.

Also Recommended

Banks, Adelle M. “Multisite Churches are Outpacing Growth of Megachurches.” The Christian Century, 19 September 2012, 17-18.

Barna Group. More Than Multisite: Inside Today's Methods and Models for Launching New Congregations.  Ventura, Calif.: Barna Group, 2016.

Bettis, Kara. “Beyond the Screens: How Can Multisite Churches Convey Pastoral Presence?” Leadership 36, no.3 (Summer 2015): 55-57.

Collier, Bryan. The Go-to Church: Post Megachurch Growth. Nashville, Tenn.: Abingdon Press, 2013.

Ferguson, Dave. “The Multi-site Church: Some Strengths of this New Life Form.” Leadership 24, no. 2 (Spring 2003): 80-84.

House, Brad, and Gregg Allison, MultiChurch: Exploring the Future of Multisite. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2017.

McConnell, Scott. Multi-Site Churches: Guidance for the Movement’s Next Generation. Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009.

Pope, Randy. “3 Reasons We Stopped Doing Multisite Church: It's Hard to Lead Locally from a Distance.” Leadership, 36, no. 3 (Summer 2015): 58-59.

Smietana, Bob. “Flip This Church: More Small Churches Are Joining Big Ones In Order To Keep their Doors Open: Can The Multisite Movement Grow Without Treating Congregations As Little More Than Real Estate?” Christianity Today, June 2015, 42-48.

Surratt, Geof. Of Course People Prefer Live Preaching, But Video Venues Work When You Work Them. The Exchange: A Blog by Ed Stetzer, Christianity Today online, December 17, 2013.

Surratt, Geoff, Greg Ligon, and Warren Bird. A Multi-site Church Roadtrip : Exploring the New Normal. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2009.

Tomberlin, Jim. 125 Tips for MultiSite Churches, MultiSite Solutions. Scottsdale, AZ, 2011.

Tomberlin, Jim, and Tim Cool. Church Locality. Nashville, Tenn.: Rainer Publishing, 2014.
 

Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Homelessness in Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Books

Highly Recommended

Many authors present in-depth insights on all aspects of homelessness, from one woman’s personal account of homelessness to general perspectives. The first part observes changes and trends in the homeless population over the last three decades. The second part describes two contrasting program approaches, Pathways’ Housing First and Portland, Oregon’s Central City Concern with its Alcohol & Drug Free Community (ADFC) model. Later sections analyze why the US has not made more progress, with suggested pathways.

The co-authors were moved to put their faith into action and apply the Bible to the needs of their city. Although Chattanooga, TN was ranked the most “Bible minded” city by Barna and had 1,000 well attended churches, this religiosity did not seem to impact the situation of the city’s hundreds of homeless individuals. In response to these observations and their reading of the book of James, the authors started an outreach ministry which led to outdoor churches and ministries in 60 locations among homeless people in Chattanooga.

This Pulitzer and MacArthur Genius Grant winning book reveals one of the pathways leading to homelessness through the real life stories. A Boston Foundation study found that 23% of families applying for emergency shelter assistance gave the reason for their need as eviction or threatened eviction. Preventing homelessness requires an understanding of the factors and dynamics leading to housing evictions, and this book is an excellent place to start learning.

Dr. O’Connell shares stories and experiences of his work with individuals affected by homelessness in Boston. He is the founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, which now serves thousands of people each year.

 

 

Other Recommended Books

Bouma-Prediger, Steven, and Brian J. Walsh. Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2008.

This book looks at more than just the physical and socio-economic aspects of homelessness. It is a deeper book which also critiques western culture, considers other types of  “homelessness,” and reflects theologically on the concept of home.

Corbett, Steve, and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself.  New edition. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2012.

Although this book does not deal directly with homelessness, it is still relevant because it covers related issues like poverty, wealth inequality, job readiness, health, and financial education. A major part of the book deals with poverty and how some efforts to alleviate it have negative and counterproductive impacts. The authors are right in recommending Asset Based Community Development as a useful approach for long term results.

Padgett, Deborah K., Benjamin F. Henwood, and Sam J. Tsemberis. Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.

This is one of the best books on the Housing First approach to ending chronic homelessness since one of the authors, Sam Tsemberis, was its originator. Housing First seeks “to provide immediate access to housing and an envelope of support services to individuals living on the streets” (viii), which is in contrast to “housing ready” or “staircase models” requiring people to meet certain requirements before moving through a progression of housing options. The book describes several approaches to address homelessness and explains the theory and history of  Housing First. It also presents research evidence supporting the approach. For example, when Boston’s Pine Street Inn tried a pilot Housing First program, 86% of the chronically homeless participants remained stably housed after one year. While there are some limitations and objections to Housing First, the approach has been influential and has brought about some systems changes.

Sharpe, Travis. 50 Practical Ways You Can Help the Homeless. Bloomington, Ind.: West Bow Press, 2017.

The practical ideas shared by Travis Sharpe are based on the author’s experience over the years. Most of these ideas are intended for helping individuals one by one in a relational context. Typical ideas include giving haircuts, shoes, snack packs, personal hygiene packs, and eating lunch with someone. Other ideas extend to help in finding a job and connecting to community resources. Although these acts of kindness do not address the deeper roots of homelessness, they are one avenue of Christian ministry that God can use. The author is the founder of an organization called Unsheltered International.

Wagner, David. Confronting Homelessness: Poverty, Politics, and the Failure of Social Policy. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012.

Reading about and listening to the life stories of individuals who are homeless is important, but understanding a historical perspective on homelessness in America is also valuable. Wagner’s book is primarily a history of efforts to reduce or end homelessness. The author covers attitudes toward those who were homeless, advocates’ protests, programs providing services, and efforts to raise money and awareness. Although the book looks briefly at some social theories, it does not focus on future solutions or policy proposals.

Yankoski, Mike. Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America. Updated and expanded edition. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Multnomah Books, 2010.

An account of the experiences of two young Christian men who spent five months living homeless on the streets in several cities across the country and the homeless individuals they meet. While no doubt this book could be critiqued on several levels, the observations and reflections of the author can still be helpful for people who have had little exposure to homelessness.

Reports

Boston Area

• 2015-2016 City of Boston Annual Homeless Census reports

• Boston’s Way Home: An Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness

  • 2015-2018 Plan (select "Find out more about our plans")

  • Update Report

• City of Cambridge 2016 Census of Persons Experiencing Homelessness

State of Massachusetts

The Boston Foundation Report on Family Homelessness. Rog, Debra J., Kathryn A. Henderson, Andrew L. Greer, Kathryn M. Kulbicki, Linda Weinreb, The Growing Challenge of Family Homelessness: Homeless Assistance for Families in Massachusetts: Trends in Use FY2008-FY2016. Boston: The Boston Foundation, 2017.

This report seeks to help the reader “understand the changes in the growth and composition of the homeless family population …and the nature of families’ experiences in the Emergency Assistance programs” (11).  It can help inform efforts to prevent and reduce family homelessness and help measure progress. The report documents family homelessness from 2008 to 2016, a period when over 33,000 families with over 100,000 individuals received shelter through the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Program (7). The study looked at how long families are staying in shelters, finding the length of stay increased from an average of 247 days in 2008 to 360 days in 2016 (8). During that period the number of families in shelters increased 93% (11), although recent data indicate a hopeful decline in 2016. Churches can directly help prevent families from becoming homeless, but they should also be aware of state assistance programs they can refer people to. This report focuses on two of these programs: (1) Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), which provides financial support and services to prevent homelessness, and (2) HomeBASE, which provides help in finding alternatives to entering a shelter or stabilization after being in a shelter.

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: Basic Facts on Homelessness in Massachusetts and Across the Country

For those who want to learn about and have a voice in policy decisions, the Coalition is a good entry point and source of current statistics and facts.

Report on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth in Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Youth Counts 2016”.

This report surveyed 502 homeless youth and provides information on where they were staying, what the reasons were for their homelessness, and the kinds of services they need. By the Massachusetts Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Monthly Reports on Family Homelessness and Emergency Assistance

 

National

2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a report to the U.S. Congress on the extent and nature of homelessness in the United States. It provides counts of people experiencing homelessness and describes their demographic characteristics and service use patterns. It has become the central resource for national data on homelessness, used by federal, state, and local policymakers to understand trends in homelessness and inform their policies. The AHAR is based on local data from Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, Housing Inventory Counts (HIC), and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS).