What's Happening at Hearth?

June, 2024

Meetings with Hearth's Upcoming Gala Keynote Speaker, Gordon Wayne

Rhonda and Gordon's recent meeting included a tour of the Anna Bissonnette House, conversations with residents, and a discussion of Gala plans.

Gordon Wayne shares a passion to end homelessness and backs up his passion with action. He is excited to join forces with Hearth to inspire the community!

Read More about Gordon's Story Here

Website Refresh

Don Martelli, Hearth's marketing consultant, is currently immersed in the process of revamping Hearth's website along with digital marketing guru, Jonathan LaMaster. Their goal is to enhance the user experience, ensure the community stays well-informed, and create more avenues for fundraising. With their expertise and dedication, Don and Jonathan are poised to bring a fresh and dynamic digital transformation to Hearth, paving the way for increased engagement and support.

A Successful All Staff Meeting

Hearth had an extremely successful All Staff Meeting at the end of May. There was a great turnout, and it served as an amazing opportunity for staff to connect and learn more about Hearth's organizational direction.

In her first All Staff Meeting as CEO, Rhonda Pieroni shared company updates and introduced new leadership. HR Associate, Martha Temesghen led staff in an interactive activity to help define Hearth's core values. Thank you to all who attended!

Hearth in the Media

The Center for Guardianship Excellence

The Center For Guardianship Excellence is in the process of developing interview questions with Director of Supportive Housing, Nimo Hashi, around the topic of elder homelessness. Once the questions are developed, Nimo will answer them in front of a live audience of social workers and guardians.

Street Light News

Hearth's Director of Supportive Housing, Nimo Hashi, was also featured in Street Light News covering the topic of elder homelessness.

Read the Full Story Here

Supporting our Partners at their Galas!

(from left to right) Rhonda Pieroni, Linda Vendola, and Maryann Colaizzi at the Bay State Banners Gala in Roxbury.

(from left to right) Cecilia Otang, Nimo Hashi, and Elizabeth Chaboya at 2Life's Gala.

Status on Amendments

(pictured above from left to right) Representative Chris Worrell and Representative James Arciero.

Collaboration with Board Members

Hearth staff have been collaborating with board member Tania Phillips and Howard Koh, who leads the Initiative on Health and Homelessness through the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. Initial meetings have been held to brainstorm topics of discussion for an upcoming Health Policy Forum in November. Hearth is excited to continue this collaboration with Tania, Howard Koh, and his team.

Vice Chair of Hearth's Board of Directors, Alveta Haynes, has been instrumental in supporting conversations with legislators. She also has been an amazing presence at our Hearth at Four Corners Property assisting with events.

Massachusetts State Budget

House Representative Arciero moved to add a line item in the state budget for Hearth allotting no less than $200,000 for capital improvements across all Hearth properties.This amendment (#1470) passed the House, and while was not picked up by the Senate, is continuing in the Conference process. We will learn if Hearth has a line item in the state budget by the end of July.

Housing Bond Bill

House Representative Worrell moved to amend the Housing Bond Bill allotting no less than $1,000,000 for Hearth (amendment #192). This has passed the House, and is now moving to the Senate.