What We Do
Our Mission
Project HOPE Boston works in partnership with women and families in the Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston on their journeys up and out of poverty. We do this by being a catalyst for change in the lives of families, developing and providing programs and family support solutions to alleviate poverty and homelessness.
HOPE Heals, 1947-1979
The Little Sisters of the Assumption arrived in Dorchester and provided health home health and social work services in neighborhood residents' homes and assisted families who were experiencing a crisis.
HOPE Welcomes, 1980–1989
The Sisters opened their doors to homeless women and children and established themselves as Project HOPE Boston, House Open People Enter(HOPE). Project HOPE Boston became one of Boston's first family shelters to provide housing services, a food pantry, and childcare.
HOPE Happens, 1990-1994
Continuing to respond to the issues that impacted the shelter residents, Project HOPE Boston established new programs to address education, affordable housing, and childcare needs.
HOPE Empowers, 1995-1999
Working in collaboration with families and community partners, Project HOPE Boston further empowered families by providing career exploration, job development programs, and opportunities for higher education.
HOPE Builds, 2000-2006
Focused on putting energy into building strong collaborations and advocacy networks, Project HOPE Boston expands its housing and job training services to the community. As the needs of families grew, so did Project HOPE Boston. Moving its programs to a new location at 550 Dudley Street increased the ability to expand programming and improved the presence in the community.
HOPE Continues, 2006-2008
Project HOPE Boston built its green community building from the ground up and opened its doors in October 2006. The Community Building is its public site, where residents throughout the community took Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes, learned job readiness and resume writing skills, signed up for financial literacy and affordable housing workshops, and earned the credentials needed to start their own childcare business. The former convent on Magnolia Street is a private residence for eleven women and their children, and is also home to the Project HOPE Boston Children's Center.
HOPE for the Future, 2008-present
Project HOPE Boston established the Ambassador’s Bureau in 2008 composed of current and former participants who want to develop their communication skills and use those skills to educate the community about issues of poverty and homelessness. Project HOPE Boston continues to work with families to develop stronger, more integrated programs to ensure they are on their path out of poverty.
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The History
Sister Margaret Leonard has served as a catalyst for forging strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaborations at the local, city, and state levels, fostering a continuum of care and support for low-income families as they transition from crisis to stability. Her extensive experience on the Boards of various organizations, such as Pine Street Inn, Homes for Families, and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, is a testament to her dedication to this cause.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sister Margaret has received numerous accolades for her remarkable achievements.
Founder, Sister Margaret Leonard
Project HOPE Boston is a multi-service agency at the forefront of efforts in Boston to move families up and out of poverty. We provide access to education, jobs, housing, and emergency services to women and children in low-income households. Helping to foster their transformation; and work for broader systems change.
A New Cycle of HOPE
The women and mothers seeking support from Project HOPE Boston have a unique opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, serving as role models of self-confidence, empowerment, and accomplishment in their communities.
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In addition, the sense of social responsibility that accompanies transformation leads many women to become powerful catalysts for community change. They proactively support one another and advocate for just public policies that strengthen families. Participate in our Ambassadors' Bureau to ensure the voices of those who experience homelessness and poverty are heard in the public arena.
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Project HOPE Boston’s integrated, holistic approach is often cited and regarded as a model. With our continued success, we hope to serve as a national model for helping families move up and out of poverty.