Press Releases

Lowell, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) announced that NeighborWorks America, an organization that provides resources on affordable housing options for low-income and first-time homebuyers, has awarded $804,500 in federal grants to three members of the national NeighborWorks network across Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District.

The funds have been awarded to the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell, MA ($240,500), Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc. in Lawrence, MA ($309,500), and NewVue Communities, Inc. in Fitchburg, MA ($254,500).

"In the United States, every person deserves to have a roof over their head in a safe neighborhood and a job that pays a living wage. This basic value has been a cornerstone of the American Dream since our nation's founding. I am proud to announce this important grant funding to organizations in our community that directly work to make that value a reality. Public-private partnerships like the ones supported by the NeighborWorks network are vital to developing our communities. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in securing these funds, and will continue to make sure the federal government invests in programs that lift up our hardworking families across Massachusetts," said Congresswoman Trahan.  

"These NeighborWorks America awards are terrific news and will strengthen our neighborhoods and give everyone in America a fighting chance to build a future by ensuring that a safe and affordable home is within reach," Senator Warren said. "Thanks to this funding, our outstanding Massachusetts NeighborWorks members will be able to further assist families and first-time homebuyers across the Commonwealth."

"Affordable housing is a key rung on the ladder to economic opportunity. Every family should have access to a safe, clean and healthy home, and these federal grants will help renew hope, improve neighborhoods, and strengthen local economies throughout Massachusetts," Senator Markey said.   

"Lawrence CommunityWorks deeply values our membership in the NeighborWorks America network and the myriad resources it provides us to continue carrying out our mission in Lawrence. As a NeighborWorks America affiliate, we are grateful for this year's increased funding and the federal government's continued support of initiatives like ours, as well as those of other affiliates in the region and beyond. This year, we look forward to putting these resources to good use in Lawrence, by helping residents to access wealth-building opportunities, create strong social networks, and work together effectively to shape the city's future as a great place to live, work, and play for everyone," said Jessica Andors, Executive Director, Lawrence CommunityWorks. 

“Coalition for a Better Acre is grateful for the continued support of NeighborWorks America. This grant funding allows us to focus on developing quality affordable housing and grow our supportive programs, including financial education, workforce development, youth, civic engagement, and community building. Our organization was built by working people who fought for their neighborhood and continues to flourish thanks to the ongoing support of our legislators who recognize that we must support our neighbors in order for our communities to thrive,” said Yun-Ju Choi, Chief Executive Officer, Coalition for a Better Acre.

“We are very grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for her support of NewVue Communities and NeighborWorks America. She is a consistent champion of reinvesting in our communities by supporting funding for NeighborWorks America. This funding will help NewVue Communities educate homeowners, provide financial coaching, build affordable housing, develop resident leaders and support small businesses,” said Marc Dohan, Executive Director, NewVue Communities.

“Congress has demonstrated it has a sharp eye for a good investment,” said NeighborWorks America President and CEO Marietta Rodriguez. “NeighborWorks America’s ability to continually demonstrate our stewardship, leveraging more than $64 for every $1 of congressional appropriation is due in no small part to the spectacular work of our network of nearly 250 organizations located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. We are honored to be trusted to distribute funds that help our network organizations spur innovation and meet the growing needs of their local communities. These organizations demonstrate their leadership every day in providing affordable housing opportunities, building strong neighborhoods and creating jobs. In fiscal year 2019 alone, this resulted in a direct investment of $9.65 billion in communities across the country.”

NeighborWorks America is a public nonprofit organization, established by Congress in 1978 as the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Public Law 95-557). It supports and enhances a network of nearly 250 local and regional nonprofit partner NeighborWorks organizations that bring together residents, private-sector business leaders, and representatives of local government to create communities of opportunity. For over 40 years, NeighborWorks America has supported local solutions to community development and affordable housing challenges in urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico by providing NeighborWorks organizations financial and grant support, training, technical assistance, organizational assessments, technology tools and other services.

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