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Boston’s Pine Street Inn uses $15 million gift to keep pace with demand during housing crisis

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Boston’s Pine Street Inn uses  million gift to keep pace with demand during housing crisis


Pine Street Inn has used some money from a $15 million donation gifted by the Yawkey Foundation in December 2021 to improve its women’s shelter in the South End, upgrading windows, expanding the lobby and giving the home a new name.

The Yawkey Foundation’s $15 million gift is the large single commitment in Pine Street’s 55-year history.

“We have been working on housing for a long time, adding 20 to 30 units every year – it’s just not enough to keep pace,” Pine Street President Lyndia Downie said Wednesday, moments after the Women’s Inn was renamed the Yawkey House. “This gift allows us to really scale up. … This is a real scale, and you start to have an impact on people who have the lowest incomes.”

Downie has her eyes set on achieving a “big milestone” this spring, when Pine Street is expected to reach 1,100 units of permanent housing.

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Since receiving the donation, Pine Street has been in the process of creating 400 to 500 new units of permanent housing over five years, a roughly 40% increase in its total units. The expansion of its housing units is coming at a dire time as Boston continues to grapple with a flood of migrants and skyrocketing housing prices.

Pine Street’s housing programs come with highly-skilled, trained support staff who work with tenants in accessing medical and behavioral healthcare, job training and jobs, volunteer opportunities and more to help them remain safe, stable and housed.

Agency officials allocated a bulk of the $15 million gift toward 111 units in Back Bay, 140 in Jamaica Plain and 99 in Dorchester.

The JP project is replacing a Pine Street Inn warehouse/building, and the Dorchester effort is converting a Comfort Inn into affordable housing. The Back Bay endeavor came to fruition last year, with tenants taking up space at 140 Clarendon St.

Demand is high on the units, with many of them attached with rental assistance, meaning thousands of house-seekers are on waiting lists either through the city or state, Downie said.

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“Even this isn’t enough,” she said, “but it’s a beginning.”

Officials from Pine Street and the Yawkey Foundation gathered at the women’s shelter Wednesday to celebrate Jean Yawkey’s 115th birthday by renaming the facility in her honor.

Yawkey, who owned the Red Sox for over 40 years with her husband Tom Yawkey, “began personally funding Pine Street Inn in 1988, with a special commitment to supporting the critical needs of women facing major life challenges,” officials highlighted in a release.

More than 1,300 women receive support each year through Pine Street’s street outreach, shelter, workforce development and permanent supportive housing.

“We understood after the years that we’ve worked with them that there really needed to be flexibility in their ability to go out and find housing,” said Maureen Bleday, CEO of the Yawkey Foundation. “No two situations are really the same … so far it’s worked, we are in the midst of this.”

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Mayra DeJesus has been a guest at the women’s shelter since November 2022 after her grandmother died in 2022 and she became nervous about the impact staying with her daughter would have on her grandson.

DeJesus has completed Pine Street’s housekeeping training program, and she said she plans on moving into the organization’s new housing complex in Jamaica Plain this spring.

“I am so excited by the idea of starting fresh in a new place,” she said. “I would also like to give back. I think about returning here one day to share my story to give hope to others.”

Pine Street Inn’s women’s shelter has been renamed as the ‘Yawkey House’ in homage of Jean Yawkey. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)



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Boston, MA

Skip the chaos and crowds with unique holiday markets are worth the detour – The Boston Globe

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Skip the chaos and crowds with unique holiday markets are worth the detour – The Boston Globe


The holiday season is in full swing: The puffer jackets have been broken out of storage, carols and festive pop classics play throughout every store, and the annual struggle of what gifts to get your loved ones (and that one office White Elephant) is back. If you are looking to skip the long lines (and stinky cheese) at more social media-famous markets, but still want some one-of-a-kind holiday shopping from small businesses, here are some smaller holiday markets to visit this winter.

A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS Reading Memorial High School’s Drama Club (and supporting organizations) will host a Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair once again this holiday season. The market, which has run for over 20 years, hosts 55 New England-based vendors selling artisan goods, including wooden cutting boards and goods from Magnus Woodsmith, pottery from Nancy Littlehale, and more. There will also be hands-on crafting opportunities, including coloring and cookie decorating. The Saturday marketplace — including an on-site warm beverage sale — is also a fund-raiser for RMHS’s drama department, raising money to support production equipment, scholarships for graduating students, and other needs. RMHS drama club members dressed in Victorian costumes will roam the fair and perform short skits and sing carols. There will also be tap, jazz, and contemporary dance performances by local troupes in the school’s performing arts center.

Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair. Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading. Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry is free. rmhsdrama.org

Shoppers look through artisan goods from female-owned businesses at Boston Women’s Holiday Market.Cara Loffredo

SUPPORTING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES Boston Women’s Market hosts its holiday market at Night Shift Brewing in Everett on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. New England-based, women-owned vendors will be selling gift-able goods, including handmade jewelry from ADK Jewelry, natural skincare products from Beauté Noir, and cat toys and playhouses from Cat in the Box. The market will also be host to a family holiday celebration, including free ornament painting and an ugly sweater contest. There will be giveaways throughout the market of Night Shift Brewing gift cards and merchandise. If you’re hungry, Daddy’s Bonetown Burgers has you covered, and specialty holiday cocktails, yet to be announced, make the perfect holiday treat.

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Boston Women’s Holiday Market. Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Highway, Everett. Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m. Entry is free. bostonwomensmarket.com

A booth at a previous Winter Solstice Indigenous Art Holiday Market with Indigenous art, jewelry, and goods.Jamie Malcolm-Brown

CULTURAL COLLECTIVE In celebration of the season, the Cultural Survival Bazaar will hold a Winter Solstice Indigenous Art Holiday Market on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at The Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama. The market will highlight Indigenous art and artists from around the world, including North and South America, Palestine, East Africa, and more. There will be over 50 vendors, such as Chinampa Temachtiani, which sells jewelry, clothing, and axolotl plushies, Hebron Glass, which sells blown glass goods, and Afri-Root Collective, which sells handmade African art from women artists. The market will also feature live musical performances from Lyla June, Yarina, and more. Looking for a new book to cozy up with this winter? Attendees can also participate in a book swap.

Winter Solstice Indigenous Art Holiday Market. Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10. Free for children under 18. bazaar.culturalsurvival.org/boston

A shopper looks through a box of pre-loved books at a Small Mart Market.Ezra Enzo Photography

SHOPPING SMALL Returning for its fourth year, Small Mart Market is hosting the second of two holiday vintage shopping events in Greater Boston. The holiday market will take place at the Crystal Ballroom with over 50 vendors, including vintage clothing resellers and upcycled fashion designers. Vendors include the market’s organizers, High Energy Vintage, a Somerville-based secondhand clothing and record shop, and Existential Thread, a Rhode Island-based vintage clothing store, as well as others, such as Jessamy Shay, who designs clothing by repurposing garments and fabrics. There will also be artisan goods and artists selling prints, posters, and pottery. The market will also feature a full bar, complete with festive beverages such as a cranberry Moscow Mule and Irish Coffee for purchase.

Small Mart Market Holiday Market, Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville. Dec. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free. smallmartmarket.com

FRIENDLY SHOPPING (AND COMPETITION) The Charles River Speedway and the Brighton Bazaar are partnering for the Bazaar’s 100th event, The Holiday Stroll, on Dec. 20 and 21. The Speedway hosts over 60 local vendors, featuring a variety of artisan goods, including metal art, kitchenware, and decor from Eli West, handmade pottery from Sugalski Ceramics, and more. At the upper courtyard of the Speedway, there will be a gingerbread house building competition on each day of the market. With a $5 buy-in, which can be purchased ahead of time or on site, the competition will last from noon to 3 p.m. Winners will be announced within the week after the market for prizes such as a $75 gift card to a Speedway vendor of their choice or two tickets to a show at The Roadrunner of the winner’s choice. For a less high-stakes activity, there will be card-making stations where attendees can craft personal holiday greetings for loved ones.

The Holiday Stroll. The Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton. Dec. 20-21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free. charlesriverspeedway.com

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Shoppers visit the vendor booths at last year’s Somerville Flea Holiday Market.Greg Ghazil

SECONDHAND STOCKING STUFFERS The Somerville Flea — usually known for holding court in Davis Square in summer and fall — hosts its annual holiday market on Dec. 21 for last-minute shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind secondhand goods. The extensive shopping event will feature around 40 vendors and their curated collections of vintage goods, such as clothes from Dandelion District, books from Hiding in Books, and home decor from Unpredictable Finds. A DJ will play holiday mixes to set the festive mood while you shop. Snacks and beverages will be available at Arts at the Armory’s ROOTED Café.

The Somerville Flea Holiday Markets. Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, #1C, Somerville. Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free. thesomervilleflea.com


Isabella Bernstein can be reached at isabella.bernstein@globe.com.





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Boston, MA

Boston Harborwalk extension to connect parks, pathways in Charlestown

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Boston Harborwalk extension to connect parks, pathways in Charlestown


The Boston Harborwalk, a 43-mile park and pedestrian pathway that stretches along the city’s coastline, will soon extend further north into Charlestown and beyond.

The city’s Planning Department this week approved putting the estimated $5.5 million project out for bids from contractors. The extension will connect to the existing Harborwalk and stretch along Terminal Street and the Little Mystic Channel.

“The new pathway will be beautifully landscaped and furnished with seating, shade shelters and exercise equipment,” said Planning Department Director of Real Estate Rebecca Tomasovic during the Boston Planning and Development Agency Board meeting on Thursday.

Tomasovic explained that currently, the land is unused and overgrown. Pedestrians in the area are limited to Terminal Street, which has no sidewalks and is used primarily as a truck route. The Harborwalk extension will allow safe pedestrian travel between Chelsea Street and the Charlestown Athletic Fields, she said.

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An extension of the Boston Harborwalk in Charlestown will extend along the Little Mystic Channel.Google

Planning for the Boston Harborwalk began in the 1980s, according to its website. In addition to walkways, it includes green space, seating, informational signage, exhibit spaces, cafes and other amenities. When the Harborwalk is complete, it will stretch close to 50 miles between Chelsea Creek in East Boston and the Neponset River in Dorchester.

Beyond pedestrian safety and recreation, the Harborwalk is also part of the city’s planning for climate sustainability for the future.

A 2022 report from the Office of Climate Resilience recommended the Charlestown extension, as well as elevating the existing Harborwalk paths in the area, as the height protects against rising sea levels and flooding.

“The Harborwalk is both highly vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise and presents an opportunity to create a resilient coastal edge,” officials wrote in the report. “Redesigning the Harborwalk along the Little Mystic to incorporate coastal resilience infrastructures provides opportunities not only to reduce risks from flooding but also to enhance the benefits this amenity provides.”

In October, the city was awarded a $500,000 grant from MassTrails, a division of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

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The city also expects to use over $1 million from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in the form of mitigation funds from the nearby Encore Casino and $750,000 in private donations through the Mystic River Watershed Association.



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The old Bucks shine in upset over Boston

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The old Bucks shine in upset over Boston


The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled this season without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. But against the Celtics, it was other veterans who stepped up, the old Bucks shined in a victory.

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1. Bobby Portis Jr A+

Dec 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) puts up a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The 30-year-old has struggled all season but against Boston, Bobby Portis was out if this world. Portis went for a season high 27 points on an absurd 84.6% from the floor. Portis knocked down 5 of his 6 three pointers and gathered 10 boards. Portis presence on the defensive end is always strong, but it was the offense tonight propelling the Bucks to the win.

2. Kyle Kuzma A+

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Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The 30-year-old turned back the clock against the Celtics producing a season high 31 points and shooting 76% from the field. Kuzma anchored the Bucks comeback scoring 25 of his 31 points in the second and third quarters. The Bucks trailed by as many as 14 and ran it up to a 21-point lead late in the fourth.

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3. Kevin Porter Jr. A+

Dec 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Kevin Porter Jr. gathered his first triple double of the season with 18/10/13. The 25-year-old continues to be one of the few bright spots for Milwaukee in a career year. Porter was getting whatever he wanted offensively and created for his teammates at a high level. Most notably Kyle Kuzma who accounted for 7 of his assists.

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On the darker side of things, Myles Turner was extinct on the offensive end yet again. Turner had four points and was one of six from the floor while only gathering 3 rebounds. Turner did however help the Bucks hold the Celtics to 13 third quarter points, swinging the momentum back in Milwaukee’s favor. But Turner still has to be better, and prove his worth. Turner played 0 minutes in the fourth quarter, a troubling trend we have seen throughout the season, although tonight didn’t call for his presence.

This was exactly the game the Bucks needed, a win against a top team in the East, but also a win without Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the win is a bright spot in a rather dull season, every win counts in their current sitaution. As more losses could make a Giannis trade more likely.

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Did the Bucks make a mistake signing Turner?

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The Milwaukee Bucks tough start could get even worse

Why the Giannis injury may be delaying inevitable Milwaukee Bucks trade

Bucks make game-time call on key rotation piece vs. Celtics



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