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SpeakUnited, a United Way Blog

We began these blogs because we wanted to start a conversation. We wanted to provide a place where this community can come to check its own pulse. We encourage response and conversation. We just ask you to keep it respectful. We'd love to hear it. It's a conversation, after all, we hope you'll add to it.

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Meghan Keaney

Wed, 06/24/2009

Motel Homeless Numbers on the rise

751 families living in motels as of June 15

This morning, The Boston Globe ran a front page story on the record numbers of families being placed by the state into area motels because homeless shelters are over capacity. As of June 15, there were 751 families, with about 1000 children total, living in local motels at a cost to taxpayers of nearly $2 million last month ($85 a night). read more »

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Meghan Keaney

Fri, 06/19/2009

Governor Patrick visits with the United Ways of Massachusetts

Buzz

Today, Governor Patrick stopped by the offices of United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley for a meeting with representatives from United Ways across Massachusetts. The meeting was focused on shared goals for the Commonwealth and covered topics ranging from the economic stimulus to ensuring that more Massachusetts youth graduate from high school with options for the future. read more »

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Meghan Keaney

Mon, 06/08/2009

Photos United Way Flash Mob #1

one down...one to go.

Day of Action

Click here to see photos from United Way's flash mob in Copley Square Saturday, which aimed to raise awareness about United Way's Day of Action coming up this weekend. Want to help?

Send an Ecard about the Day of Action

Participate in Day of Action read more »

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Elizabeth Curtis

Thu, 05/28/2009

Voices of Strength and Determination

What it's really like to be living on the edge and facing the cliff effects of making too much for benefits but too little to pay all the bills.

I wanted to attract everyone's attention to a new report that Crittenton Women's Union put out this week. The Cliff Effect Experience provides us with an understanding of the challenges low income families face as they strive to earn better incomes, yet face the risk of losing their supports like child care vouchers and food stamps. read more »

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Meghan Keaney

Thu, 05/21/2009

United Way gets into the music business

Hear that Diddy?

On Wednesday, May 27th from 5:30-7:30pm, A team of youth from United Way's Youth Venture initiative will be launching their debut CD at Sociedad Latina's Spring Sayonara Event. The event will take place at Berklee College of Music in the David Friend Recital Hall at 921 Boylston St. And, good news! Readers of small nonprofit blogs that rhyme with "SneakDorighted" are welcomed to attend. See the attached flier for more information or call Sociedad Latina at 617-442-4299. read more »

Elizabeth Curtis

Mon, 05/11/2009

Two United Way partners are working to help families return to their foreclosed homes.

In today's Boston Globe there is an article about two nonprofits that are working with banks and other groups to help those who have been foreclosed upon get back into their homes. read more »

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Meghan Keaney

Sun, 05/10/2009

Reinvented Lawrence

On Sunday, the Boston Herald ran a feature by journalist Laura Crimaldi on the evolving city of Lawrence. "Lawrence is a city of labels," she writes. "Immigrant city. Arson capital. Car theft and insurance fraud epicenter. Foreclosure central. The Bay State’s poorest city... read more »

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Paola Ferrer

Wed, 05/06/2009

I told you so...

Massachusetts residents chime in on housing issues

Affordable Housing

Only two weeks ago, I posted a blog highlighting the findings of a study contrasting rental prices against income. Massachusetts featured as one of the most expensive places in the country to live in, and a new poll by UMASS and CHAPA lends a voice to the figures. read more »