Press Release: Heading Home’s New State-of-the-Art Building for Permanent Supportive Housing

Heading Home Opens Boston’s Largest Permanent Supportive Housing Building for Local Families with Disabilities Experiencing Homelessness

The new state-of-the-art building at 37 Wales Street in Dorchester can house and support up to 20 families at a time

Boston, MA – (May 1, 2025) – A state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building with 20 units of dedicated permanent supportive housing for families with disabilities experiencing homelessness. Heading Home, the Boston area’s largest provider of services for homeless families with children, announced the completion of construction of the building at 37 Wales Street in Dorchester.

The energy-efficient building, designed by Studio G Architects, consists of 17 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom apartments. Flynn Build and Develop oversaw construction of each unit with family life in mind – featuring a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, range, garbage disposal, air conditioning and unique built-in storage and shelving units to alleviate potential furniture expenses for families moving in. In addition to these in-unit amenities, the building has a shared laundry room, bike room and patio, as well as one centrally located elevator.

“Today is more than a grand opening—it’s a fresh start for families facing challenges that come with disability who have endured the hardships of housing instability,” said Heading Home CEO, Danielle Ferrier. “This project has been a long time in the making, made possible by the dedication and collaboration of our incredible partners. The 37 Wales Street project is a successful example of business, nonprofit, state and local government sectors all working together to make a positive impact around a significant issue. Together, we are not just opening doors to housing—we are opening doors to hope, stability, and a brighter future.”

“Preventing family homelessness is essential to building stronger communities. With this new housing and supportive services, we can ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive,” said Shari Nethersole, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital Vice President for Community Health and Engagement. “Boston Children’s Hospital is grateful to partner with Mayor Wu and Heading Home to help break the cycle of homelessness by expanding affordable housing options for children and families in Boston.”

The property was funded with support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) through the Housing Stabilization Fund, Housing Innovation Fund, Neighborhood Housing Trust Fund and Supportive Housing ARPA funds, along with predevelopment funding from Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC).

“The completion of these 20 apartments in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood shows what strong partnership and investment can achieve for Massachusetts families, especially when we can give families the support and services they need to thrive,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “EOHLC was proud to support this project and its commitment to developing energy-efficient housing in our state.”

The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing provided additional funding through the City of Boston 2030 and City Neighborhood Housing Trust Fund.

Boston Children’s Hospital contributed capital and operating funding, including supportive services that include age-specific clinical support for children.

MassDEP also provided funding through the Gap Energy Grant program to help fund the installation of a very efficient, central Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling heat pump system. MassSave also contributed grant funding.

Construction and permanent financing were funded by Cambridge Savings Bank, through the MassDevelopment 501c3 bond program, which allows eligible organizations to access financing at a tax-exempt rate. Bonds were issued by Mass Development Finance Agency.

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program is administered by Metro Housing Boston with referrals coming through HomeStart. Residents will receive enhanced Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) rental assistance, which provides funding for supportive services in addition to rental subsidies. A full-time case manager will be on-site during the week and residents will have access to staff 24/7 for emergencies.

ABOUT HEADING HOME

Heading Home is a leading provider of housing, shelter and support services in Eastern Massachusetts for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit organization offers emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing and supportive services focused on economic mobility and workforce development, supporting more than 8,000 people each year across more than 30 communities. To learn more about its mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency, visit HeadingHomeInc.org.