LYNN – Harborlight Homes and The Haven Project will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at 65 Munroe St. Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. to celebrate the completion of Catalyst Housing: a 24-unit supportive service community for young adults aged 18-24 who are aging out of foster care and at risk of becoming or who are homeless.
In addition to the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be a speaking program about and self-guided tours of the Catalyst Housing. The units have refinished hardwood floors, large windows with new kitchen appliances and card-operated laundry available on-site. Construction began in May 2024 and is now complete.
Catalyst Housing’s mission is to “create a secure, sustainable and affordable housing environment where residents receive comprehensive support services while working toward long-term stability.”
According to The Haven Project, “The services and support offered through this initiative will seamlessly integrate with the existing programs provided by The Haven Project, ensuring that residents have access to a holistic network of resources aimed at fostering their growth and independence.”
The on-site services provided by The Haven Project for Catalyst Housing residents include: individual case management, assistance with basic needs, employment and job training programs, housing resources, educational and financial aid counseling, health care access and mental health coordination, community engagement opportunities and social skills development.
Over 750 applications were received in response to the project’s housing lottery. This lottery happened in February, and the residents who will live in the 23 units, which are part of the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), have been selected. All apartments at Catalyst Housing are studio units limited to one resident, and pets are not allowed, but service and/or emotional support animals are allowed with medical documentation.
The additional unit which brings the total up to 24 is for an on-site resident manager. According to Tracey Friedman, The Haven Project’s executive director, that person “is not part of the clinical, so to speak, but is there for emergency situations, just to be the oversight and eyes and ears of the program.”
Harborlight Homes, SV Design and Keith Construction are the project development partners, along with The Haven Project, which will provide supportive services. Harborlight will remain property manager for the project. The project will be staffed by an on-site case manager, a part-time property manager, maintenance personnel and the aforementioned live-in resident manager.
