PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: BOWDOIN MANOR, BEACON HILL SRO OFFERS PATH TO MOBILE CERTIFICATE

Bowdoin Manor is a 120-bed Single Room Occupancy building (SRO) owned and managed by Commonwealth Land Trust. They primarily offer housing to those who are currently in shelter and are disabled. Unfortunately they aren’t able to offer housing to those who are not already in the shelter system. In addition to offering an affordable housing option in Boston, through an agreement with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), those who are successful after a year are eligible for a mobile housing certificate. The typical time on the waiting list for these certificates otherwise is 5 years. However there is a complication, this special opportunity requires residents to be registered with BHA before moving in and the process takes about 6 months, still greatly shorter than the 5 year wait otherwise.

Each room is simply furnished and has a refrigerator. Bathrooms are shared. Although the building does not have kitchen facilities, residents may use microwave ovens in their rooms. The program offers supportive services including “social services coordinators” to help residents access job and financial skills training, work readiness and mental health and substance abuse counseling. House rules include no overnight guests and no drugs or alcohol in the building.

Commonwealth Trust is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that works to “identify and acquire buildings that are the source of problems and transform them into attractive, affordable housing, contributing to the well-being of the residents, the buildings and the neighborhoods.”

For more information or for a personal interview and tour, contact Teresa Perry, Property Manager , (617) 445-4075 x201 or (617) 742-4354, or Stephen Wilkins, Commonwealth Land Trust Director of Marketing & Outreach, at (617) 445-4075 x208.

3/08