Merrimack Valley leader in affordable housing joins fellow honorees in dynamic, regional roundtable to exchange ideas and solutions on persistent housing challenges
Boston, MA, May 19, 2023 – Eastern Bank Foundation today announced that it has recognized Yun-Ju, Executive Director, of Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) with a 2023 Community Advocacy Award and award grant for her organization’s role in creating affordable housing in Lowell, Dracut and Haverhill. Twelve honorees in total from the Merrimack Valley, New Hampshire, and Greater Boston to the North & South Shores and Cape Cod came together at Eastern Bank headquarters for a dynamic afternoon of celebration and a roundtable.
Each year the Foundation recognizes a few of the many inspirational people and nonprofits working to address the most critical needs across the communities Eastern serves with the award. This year’s focus is on affordable housing, one of the core strategy areas of the Foundation’s commitment to expanding economic inclusion and mobility. See full honoree information here.
The dynamic roundtable covered many aspects of the affordable housing picture including zoning, access to capital, the key role of grassroots organizations, the importance of business leaders advocating for change, and the significance of philanthropy in partnering for innovative solutions for today’s complex challenges. Honorees also discussed how systemic inequities such as high childcare costs, low wages, gaps in education, and racial injustice intersect with the affordable housing issue as a whole.
CBA is a membership-based community development corporation dedicated to resident empowerment and sustainable community revitalization. They house 1,600 people in 529 affordable rental units, provide foreclosure, financial and workforce development training, and drive veteran housing.
In summer 2023, they will cut the ribbon on 27 units of affordable housing for individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorder in partnership with Lowell House Inc. This development will be the first Passive House certified building in the City of Lowell and in CBA’s portfolio.
Commenting on the Advocacy award, grant and conversation with her peers, Choi said, “ Forty-Five percent of the population of Lowell is housing burdened yet community push back for affordable housing remains. It is so important to continue to advocate and educate people on how access to affordable housing positively affects the overall health and vibrancy of our communities. This award from Eastern Bank Foundation and connection with other nonprofits working towards similar goals is energizing and a great way to keep awareness and positive pressure for change going.”
Nancy Huntington Stager, President & CEO of Eastern Bank Foundation, added “Affordable housing is essential for full participation in our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods but is unfortunately out of reach or insecure for far too many people in our region as the housing crisis worsens. It is more important than ever to spotlight work that is making a difference and to collaborate on solutions. We applaud Yun-Ju, Coalition for a Better Acre and all our 2023 Community Advocacy Awards honorees for their innovative, barrier-breaking work.”