BOS:311
ID
#101005724043
Status
OPEN
Opened
Description
Constituent states via contact form: "I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the living conditions at the Pine Street Inn emergency homeless shelter. Recently, I had an encounter with a young man on 6/20/2024 who shared a troubling experience that highlighted the inadequacies of the shelter's environment. This young man, who is already facing the challenges of homelessness, had his phone stolen while staying at the shelter. Disturbingly, the staff did nothing to address the situation or assist him in any meaningful way. This incident raises serious questions about the level of care and support provided to the residents of Pine Street Inn. Moreover, it has come to my attention that the shelter does not have enough blankets for its residents. This lack of basic necessities is unacceptable, especially given the harsh weather conditions we often experience. The overall conditions of the shelter are far from adequate and do not reflect the substantial amount of funding that Pine Street Inn has received in recent months and years. It is worth noting that Pine Street Inn has received significant financial support recently. In December 2021, the Yawkey Foundation awarded Pine Street Inn a $15 million grant to support its mission of ending homelessness by creating 400-500 new units of permanent supportive housing over the next five years (Pine Street Inn | Home) (Yawkey Foundation). Additionally, their recent fundraising event, Home Remedy 2024, raised over $725,000 to aid in their efforts to help individuals transition from the streets to stable housing (Pine Street Inn | Home). Despite this financial support, the conditions at Pine Street Inn remain subpar. Additionally, it is apparent that the staff at Pine Street Inn is not trained or well-equipped to handle such situations. The lack of experienced and well-trained staff further exacerbates the problems faced by the residents. It is crucial that the staff be experienced and well-trained to provide the necessary support and ensure the safety and well-being of the shelter's residents. The homeless population is one of the most vulnerable groups in our city, and it is imperative that we provide them with safe and humane living conditions. The current state of Pine Street Inn not only fails to meet these standards but also undermines the trust and support that the community places in such institutions. I urge your office to investigate the conditions at Pine Street Inn and take immediate action to ensure that the shelter provides a safe, supportive, and adequately resourced environment for its residents. This includes addressing the theft incident, ensuring a sufficient supply of basic necessities such as blankets, improving overall living conditions, and ensuring that the staff is experienced and well-trained. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I am hopeful that under your leadership, we can bring about the necessary changes to support and protect our unhoused community." | Case (SR) Type: [Miscellaneous] Referred To: [PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION]
Location
444 Harrison Ave, Roxbury, Ma, 02118
42.34291258, -71.06433601

Activity

  • Submitted

  • Opened