Jamaica Plain nonprofit Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC) has been granted emergency foreclosure prevention funds to distribute to Boston homeowners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. “In conjunction with the city of Boston, ESAC is able to help those who qualify, halt the path to foreclosure," said Peg Drisko, Executive Director of ESAC. "This program benefits the homeowner, the neighborhood as well as the community at large." The grant money is only available to Boston homeowners. Homeowners should reach out to Steve Bennett, Foreclosure Prevention Manager 617-524-2555 ext. 108 for more information about how ESAC can help.
Jamaica Plain nonprofit Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC) is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants through Cummings Foundation's $25 million grant program. The Boston-based organization was chosen from a total of 590 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $100,000 over 4 years. Since 1965, Ecumenical Social Action Committee has addressed the unmet needs of elders, homeowners, and youth throughout Boston. Through programs in sustainable homeownership, homelessness prevention, education, and public benefits enrollment, Ecumenical Social Action Committee equips hundreds of low-income residents each year with the tools, knowledge, and supports they need to overcome their barriers to stability and growth.
Boston's foreclosure rate reached a 17-year low in 2019, dropping 61 percent in 2019 compared to 2018. Across the city foreclosure executions went down from 103 in 2018 to 40 in 2019, according to city statistics. Comparatively, 1,215 foreclosures were executed in 2008 during the height of the housing crisis. "I'm proud that through our work with homeowners, we have been able to reduce the number of foreclosures in Boston, and keep more families in their homes," said Mayor Marty Walsh via press release. "These results show that our programs and policies to prevent foreclosures and evictions are working.
More than 20 local restaurants and vendors are participating in the 24th Annual Taste of Jamaica Plain on Thursday. Plus, there will be a magician, juggler, acrobat, and more! Along with a variety of delicious food and beverages, there will be an auction with lots of great items, musical entertainment and lots of family fun, including Dozer and the Homewreckers, Jenny the Juggler, magician Sir Cedric Purcell, Bella Curva acrobat, and Spontaneous Celebrations stilt walkers. You can bid now on auction items at biddingforgood.com (search ESAC). Tickets include parking and entrance to the event.
The ESAC Neighborhood Night at West on Centre is Monday, March 18 from 11am to 11pm. It features inventive daily specials, kids’ menu, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. This offer is good for dine-in or take-out and includes alcohol. Reservations recommended by calling 617-323-4199. West on Centre is located at 1732 Centre Street, West Roxbury.
