LYNN — Community members and city officials gathered for the official opening of the Reid House, a new transitional residence dedicated to providing safe shelter for families, on Thursday.
The event was not only a celebration of a much-needed resource, but also a recognition of those who have worked tirelessly to address housing insecurity in the city, State Rep. Sean Reid said.
The Reid House was named in honor of Reid by the Lynn Shelter Association because Reid experienced homelessness from age 8 through age 11 and has accomplished so much despite it.
CEO of the Lynn Shelter Association, Mark Evans, said, “This is a monumental moment for the City of Lynn.”
He commended Reid’s dedication to the development of the Reid House and said he looks forward to helping the community.
“It is such an honor and a pleasure to have my family and my name on that house,” Reid said. “But I think it’s much bigger than all of us. I think that it has a much larger meaning.”
Reid, who once relied on shelter services in the same neighborhood he now represents, spoke candidly about the gravity of the moment. “To be standing here today, with my family name attached to this beautiful building just blocks from the shelter that I once stayed in … it’s hard to wrap my head around,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer and Broker of Hadassah Homes, Esther Summersett, said, “I think this is so important. I think that things like this are really needed in our community.”
Councilor-At-Large Brian LaPierre said, “I couldn’t be more pleased for this honor that’s bestowed upon him.”
He added that the Reid House reflects Reid’s deep commitment to those on the margins of society.
“How he has taken this whole issue of living on the edges growing up and parlaying that into hope for so many others who are currently facing the same strife in their life is absolutely incredible,” he said.
State Rep. from the 8th Essex district, Jenny Armini, said Reid has “turned pain into power” and she is “so proud of all he has achieved.”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said the Reid House will provide a much-needed service to the community of Lynn.
“This is a very proud moment for the entire city,” he said.
Reid said, “Most importantly, thank you to my wife, Kelsey, and our son Jack. They’re my rock and my reason. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”
“This means a lot to me, but more importantly, it’s for those who come next,” he said.
[Editor’s note: The address of the Reid House was omitted from the article as it might pose safety concerns to its residents.]
