Press Releases

Lowell, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan  (D-MA-03) announced $745,000 in federal grants for three community development organizations serving Massachusetts’ 3^rd Congressional District as members of the national NeighborWorks network. The funds have been awarded to the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell, MA ($232,000), Lawrence CommunityWorks in Lawrence, MA ($292,000), and NewVue Communities, Inc. in Fitchburg, MA ($221,000).

“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 fight to make sure the federal government is an ally to communities across Massachusetts,” said Rep. Lori Trahan.  

“Lawrence CommunityWorks is thrilled to be a NeighborWorks America network organization. Over the years, funding from NW has bolstered our ability to revitalize the North Common neighborhood in Lawrence and empower residents to build wealth, forge powerful social networks, and move the city forward. This funding amount for 2019 is an impactful investment in these ideals and the long-term progress of Lawrence,” said Jessica Andors, Executive Director, Lawrence CommunityWorks.

“We are grateful for NeighborWorks of America's and the federal government's continued support, which will allow CBA to create more innovative, family-supporting programs such as service-enhanced housing and workforce development initiatives. This increased funding will also while help sustain our established work in civic engagement and youth development. We look forward to continuing to work with the federal government--including our supportive Congresswoman and her staff--to help thousands of Massachusetts residents make positive changes in their lives,” said Yun-Ju Choi, Executive Director, Coalition for a Better Acre.

"NewVue Communities is delighted to have continued support from NeighborWorks America. Flexible funding from NeighborWorks America allows NewVue Communities to work in neighborhoods throughout North Central Massachusetts where residents choose to live, work and invest.  We appreciate Congresswoman Trahan's support for NewVue Communities and for funding NeighborWorks America," said Marc Dohan, Executive Director, New Vue Communities.

“Once again, Congress has demonstrated it has a sharp eye for a good investment,” said NeighborWorks America President and CEO Marietta Rodriguez. “NeighborWorks America’s proven ability to leverage $60 for every $1 of Congressional appropriation is a testament to the remarkable performance of NeighborWorks America’s network of nearly 250 organizations located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  We are proud to operationalize excellence through these grant awards to our powerful and innovative network.  These organizations demonstrate their leadership every day in providing affordable housing opportunities, building strong neighborhoods and creating jobs.  In fiscal year 2018 alone, this resulted in a direct investment of $8.4 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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