Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development

CONTACT:

14 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 367-0520
www.wihed.org

Felice Mendell, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 1981, the Women's Institute helps very low-income women, and grassroots organizations serving them, to develop affordable housing and income-generating programs -- thus holistically addressing issues faced by low-income women and their families. With its community-based partner agencies WIHED has developed 37 projects providing 396 units of affordable and secure housing that serve nearly 1,000 very low-income and special needs residents; more than 500 low-income women have participated in WIHED economic development programs since 1994. Often, when the Institute transforms vacant, run-down buildings into well-designed, affordable housing, owners of nearby buildings improve theirs as well, so the whole neighbor-hood benefits. How, exactly, does it all work? Every which way. Basically, WIHED is incredibly opportunistic in spotting ways it can partner with a wide variety of institutions to leverage its small amount of funds and large amount of imagination, technical resourcefulness, and dedication, into helping women eager to work their way out of poverty and welfare. Help support these folks and be amazed.

(1999: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)