Helping the Needy Is Caritas Communities’ Mission

Dedicated to helping the needy, Caritas Communities is located in the greater Boston area. With 25 locations across the city, Caritas Communities provides low-income housing to 600 of the working poor.

Caritas Is Helping the Needy With Affordable Housing

Established in 1985 by P. Leo Corcoran, a partner of Boston real estate firm J.M. Corcoran and Company, Caritas’ founder believed that homelessness could be eradicated. Starting with just one building which housed 11 people, Caritas now owns 25 properties that provide single room occupancies (SROs) to over 700 working poor individuals.

Caritas serves single individuals only, rather than couples and families. These individuals may hold low-wage, or perhaps, minimum wage jobs, or they may be retirees with a fixed income. Their rent is based on their own individual income, and ranges from $35 to $135 per week. All rent includes utilities and free laundry. Kitchens and baths are often shared, as the concept goes back to rooming houses with shared community spaces. Caritas is providing safe, affordable housing for those who work, but cannot afford to meet their basic living needs.

The agency enjoys improving neighborhoods through rehabbed housing and providing a safe living option for those who need help. Unfortunately Caritas must also fight the stereotype of the communal house. Too often people assume these homes provide shelter for substance abusers and the recently incarcerated. For Caritas, this is not the case. Each resident undergoes a rigid screening process, and drugs and alcohol are not allowed on site. Every Caritas property has an on-site manager.

Like Caritas Communities, Microgiving is dedicated to helping the needy meet their basic living needs – if you would like to work with Microgiving and join our list of people who donate online, or might benefit from our assistance as a recipient, please visit our website.

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