YWCA Fina House Receives State Award

The YWCA’s plans to create a safe and supportive housing complex for women and their families received a critical boost this summer, with word of a $1.3 million award from the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

The residence will be a safe haven for domestic violence survivors and their children, teen mothers and their young children and for eligible women and their families who are capable of living independently.
The 20-unit housing complex will offer women a place to live, job training, educational support and counseling services.

“This residence will be more than just a place for families to stay, it will be a place where families will grow strong,” said Rebecca Hall, at the press conference announcing the award. “These 20 units are about hope, not just housing.”

The YWCA was joined by Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, Andover state Sen. Susan C. Tucker and Lawrence state Rep. William Lantigua at the vacant lot on Haverhill Street across from Campagnone Common which will become transformed in 2004 as a safe, supportive and enriching housing complex for women and children. Lt. Governor Healy noted her long-time support of the YWCA, including her service on the board of the YWCA of New York City.

“It’s not a pool, it’s not a place to work out, it’s a women’s movement,” Healey said as she thanked the YWCA for its continued commitment and announced the important investment combining grants, loans and low-income tax credits. Resources from the City of Lawrence and the Federal Home Loan Bank through member Lawrence Savings Bank are also committed to the project.

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