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News

June 23, 2023

“Hats off to you!”

When longtime Way Finders’ supporter Dianne Fuller Doherty and her late husband Paul Doherty were starting out in life, the housing landscape was much different than it is today. But one piece of the housing equation that has not changed? The need for education for first-time homebuyers. 

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June 22, 2023

Advocacy on Air: Keith Fairey and Senator John Velis

If housing were a puzzle, there would be a lot of pieces in its box. Could I talk for an hour about the complexities and challenges, nuances and solutions? Absolutely! I recently had the pleasure of doing just that during a TV appearance on the “Beacon Hill to the 413 with your State Senator John C. Velis” program. 

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June 14, 2023

Catching up with local landlord and Safe Step graduate Yoselin of Springfield

When local landlord, restaurant manager, and Safe Step graduate Yoselin of Springfield turns it up in her kitchen, the dish she is most apt to prepare—sancocho Dominicano, a spicy stew of meat and root vegetables—is a testament to her home country. And what she cooks, she shares: with neighbors, family, friends.

As Yoselin explains, Safe Step—Way Finders’ supportive housing for survivors of domestic abuse—was pivotal to her path to homeownership and economic mobility. “I don’t get embarrassed talking about it. I say, ‘I came from a shelter, and I did good there. The staff were great to me.’ If it wasn’t for Safe Step, I wouldn’t have been able to get everything I have today. It helped me save money, so I could buy things little by little. It put a roof over my children’s heads.”

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May 8, 2023

Ringing out in Liberty Heights? A story of generational wealth building

Can you hear it? Ringing out in Liberty Heights: a story of generational wealth building.

Much gratitude to Isaiah and Priscilla Delmoral for sharing their path to first-time homeownership—which featured a stint living at home with his parents and siblings and a year dedicated to building financial capacity via personalized coaching. All in pursuit of being able to make—and sustain!—a home purchase.

Says Isaiah: “It’s amazing, we’re so happy! For us, homeownership means creating generational wealth and changing the whole dynamic of our family line. And it means breaking paradigms that exist right now in Black and brown communities. Way Finders’ programs change the game for a lot of us.”

Read their story.

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April 6, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Mayra De Leon, Homelessness Prevention Advisor

“Don’t even worry, I’ve got you!” Such is the philosophy—delivered with electric energy—that Mayra De Leon brings to her role of homelessness prevention advisor, starting from the moment a client arrives at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center. Equal parts confidence, inquisitiveness, and warmth, Mayra prides herself on being a hands-on resource to people in need.

“I love my role because I get to be a counselor, a friend, a good ear. I don’t treat clients as just any person. No, you’re my sister, you’re my brother. I say, ‘How can I help you? Listen, if I don’t have the answer, we will find it together. You hit the right person, I’m the walking phone book!’” 
 

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March 23, 2023

Introducing the Western Massachusetts Housing Coalition

The Western Massachusetts Housing Coalition—50+ organizations strong—has together identified a series of legislative priorities for Western Massachusetts that are tailored to address our area’s specific housing challenges.

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March 20, 2023

Project Spotlight: City of Homes

Neighborhoods aren’t static—they are constantly changing, often right before our eyes. So what to do when changes aren’t for the better? When houses are let go, not lived in, not cared for? Do you cross the street upon approach? Avert your eyes? Sigh in resignation?

Not if you’re Associate Project Manager Meridith Whippen, a Springfield resident and driving force behind Way Finders’ City of Homes initiative. She’s drawn to properties in distress by the vision of what they could be—to future owners and the greater community.

“Just the other night, I walked my dog a way I don’t often take. And there was a house that is boarded up,” says Meridith. “I was like, ‘I’ve got see what the deal is with this house!’ It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

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March 2, 2023

Hat’s off to 2023 FSS graduate Tia Best

On the day we met up with Tia, assistant manager at two local Subway stores, at our Springfield Housing Center, she was dressed for work. And she was desperately needed at work. But, for this one morning, she said she wasn’t available until after noon. She didn’t want to miss her graduation appointment with FSS Program Specialist Sonia Colon, who came bearing some two checks—a real one and a big photogenic one.

“Oh, my goodness, I can’t believe it. I’ve never had this much money in my hand at one time! This money is financial freedom, to make sure we’re comfortable. So when emergencies come, we don’t have to stress the way we used to.”

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February 28, 2023

Monique’s path to the White House

When Monique Lawson called her kids last fall and asked them to meet her at an address in Springfield, they were skeptical. And a little confused.

“They were like, ‘For what? Whose house is that?’ And I’m like, ‘It’s yours.’ It’s brand new, with a double lot backyard. It’s white and it’s big, I call it the White House! It’s like everything has fallen into place for me this past year. Everything. It’s just exciting. It was just my year.”

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February 10, 2023

Through Way Finders, I got my life back

We’re not just in the housing business, we’re in the hope business. When Lilliya Salem of Springfield wanted to get her life back, Way Finders had what she needed, when she needed it. 

“I really find joy and happiness in being able to help somebody, especially somebody who is struggling to recover from addiction. I know what it’s like for people who are in recovery, thinking people will judge you, not knowing what to do next. It’s hard to get your life back. And through Way Finders, I got my life back.”

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