Place matters. Historically, antipoverty programs have been exit strategies from “poor” communities. Ending the cycle means transforming communities from within. Understanding this, Boston Rising uses an Impact Zone model. The Impact Zone is Boston Rising’s entry point for investment and we have chosen to start our work in the greater Grove Hall neighborhood of Boston. Our approach focuses on our three investment areas of Education, Jobs & Community Wealth, and Social Connections. Resident partnership is a key component of everything we do.
After careful study of Boston’s neighborhoods, we decided to start in Grove Hall for the following reasons:
Grove Hall has great need. The data show:
- 30% childhood poverty rate.
- Average household income less than $40,000.
(which is 2x the Federal Poverty Line) - Neighborhood has among the highest percentage of struggling schools in Boston.
Grove Hall has a solid infrastructure and is poised for partnerships.
Residents, community based organizations, the City and funders have made tremendous investments in Grove Hall over the past decade. This is a neighborhood with a host of strengths. Assets include:
- Residents who share our vision for community transformation.
- Recent investment in the Grove Hall Mecca Mall, Stop & Shop grocery story and One United Bank.
- Proposed state and federal transportation investment on the Fairmont Commuter Line which has proposed stops in walking distance from the center of Grove Hall.
Boston Rising anticipates consistent investment of two-thirds of our time and resources in our impact zone(s).
Learn more about Boston Rising’s Investment Areas and Community Partnerships.