LYNN– Community leaders, advocates, and residents gathered to celebrate the opening of a new shelter facility in Lynn, marking what many speakers described as a major step forward in addressing homelessness in the city.
The project, led by the Lynn Shelter Association, represents years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration among city officials, nonprofit leaders, and residents.
Mark Evans, CEO of the Lynn Shelter Association, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the collective effort that made the project possible.
“I want to start by thanking everyone in this room, people that aren’t in this room,” Evans said. “The city of Lynn is coming together to do something amazing.”
Evans recalled a moment from early in his tenure that motivated him to pursue a better facility.
“One thing that happened to me 10 years ago when I started, I was at the current adult shelter, and a guy said to me, ‘Can’t you do something about this?’” Evans said.
He added that the new space reflects the organization’s core mission.
“The goal is from day one, it’s dignity. respect for our fellow human beings, and we think this space symbolizes that.”
The event also featured remarks from Sheila Byrd, a board member whose personal journey through homelessness and recovery highlighted the shelter’s impact.
“I like to thank everyone for coming out to witness this great event,” Byrd said. “This room, though, with support… confirms what we already know, that this community refused to let anyone be left behind.”
Byrd shared her story of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness before finding stability through the Lynn Shelter Association.
“I lived in the Osmund for five years,” she said. “During those five years, the Lynn Shelter Association gave me something I never truly had before. They gave me stability.”
While living there, Byrd said she rebuilt her life, earning her GED, clearing legal debts, and learning how to live without chaos.
“But my story didn’t end there,” she said. “Today, I’m proud to be part of the organization.”
“The new shelter we opened is not just a place to sleep,” she said. “It’s a safe haven, where people can begin to feel secure, welcome, and hopeful about the future.”
She also pointed to the city’s challenges, noting that Lynn has a poverty rate of 13.8% and the highest rate of homeless children in Massachusetts.
“These statistics aren’t just numbers,” Byrd said. “They’re representing our neighbors, our children, and our community.”
Fran Mancini, treasurer of the organization’s board, credited Evans for pushing the long-term project forward.
“I came on the board in 2018… and he’s been shaping this organization to his vision,” Mancini said. “Part of that vision was moving out of the grimy basement across the street to where we stand today.”
“It’s been eight, nine years now. But we’re here today,” he said.
Tom Cornu, president of the board, described the opening as an extraordinary achievement.
“Today, we’re witnessing a miracle,” Cornu said.
The new facility includes dormitory space, bathrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchen. In addition, the adjoining building will provide affordable housing units for people transitioning out of homelessness.
“What’s been built out here meets the needs of people coming in off the street,” Cornu said. “It’s just a remarkable facility.”
Cornu also noted the complexity of financing the project, which required dozens of funding sources.
“Mark’s ability to line up 25 different funding sources,” he said. “Can you imagine what that takes?”
Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson praised the effort and its impact on the community.
“On behalf of the city, we are so proud to be able to congratulate the Lynn Shelter Association on this amazing milestone,” Nicholson said. “It is so important that there is a place where everyone can go, anyone can go, no matter what…and I know that it is important to our community here in the city.”
As the ribbon was cut and a commemorative plaque unveiled along with citations from the city, speakers and attendees reflected on the years of work that led to the moment and the lives they hope the shelter will help transform.
“This building,” Evans said, “is about dignity.”
