grant Archives - WalkMassachusetts

WalkBoston Receives $165,000 Grant from Point32Health Foundation

WalkBoston was awarded a three-year $165,000 grant from Point32Health Foundation to advocate for policies that support, advance and result in age- and dementia-friendly walkable communities.

“WalkBoston is a leading advocate on transportation issues important to older adults and a strategic partner to the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. The grant will support WalkBoston’s work to engage older people in walk audits in communities with significant needs and train new advocates. The new trainers will collaborate with state and local agencies to share the data and advocate for transportation solutions that support healthy aging in communities across the state.”

Building on the legacy of service and giving established by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation, Point32Health Foundation works with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives for everyone. This is one of 10 new community investments to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island totaling more than $1.1 million. The grants support community-led solutions to remove barriers that perpetuate inequities and advance policies and practices that create more inclusive communities

“The pandemic has revealed significant gaps in our transportation, housing and food systems that disproportionately affect older people and communities of color,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Point32Health Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship at Point32Health. “To create communities that work for everyone, policies should honor and reflect community voices.”

About Point32Health Foundation

Building on Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation’s values of service and giving, Point32Health Foundation works with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives for everyone. The Foundation advances equity-focused solutions in healthy aging, access to healthy food and behavioral health in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Support for Inclusion of Active Streets in Transportation Bond Bill

February 5, 2014

Chairman Brian Joyce
Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets
State House, Room 109D
Boston, MA 02133

Re: Support for Inclusion of Active Streets in Transportation Bond Bill

Dear Chairman Joyce:

WalkBoston writes to urge you to support the “Active Streets Certification Program” that is included in the Transportation Bond Bill that was recently passed by the House (H3882). Senator Harriette Chandler and Representative Jason Lewis (S68/H3091) filed a version of this language as standalone legislation.

As Massachusetts’ leading pedestrian advocacy organization, WalkBoston works with communities across the state to help them create a safer and more convenient walking environment for their residents. We see very strong interest in walking in urban, suburban and rural municipalities, and we also see communities that are having a difficult time designing and investing in sidewalks and walkways.

The program created under this proposal would encourage communities to build streets and roads that accommodate walking, bicycling and transit use – a.k.a. “Complete Streets” – by creating a small grant program for which they would become eligible after passing a Complete Streets bylaw or ordinance in addition to taking several other actions.

The presence of improved walkways and bicycle facilities encourages an active, healthy lifestyle and reduces auto dependency. In addition to health benefits, Complete Streets can boost the local economy supporting local business districts and increasing property values. While some cities and towns in Massachusetts have already taken steps to implement Complete Streets, this program would provide the necessary incentives and support to encourage even more cities and towns do so.

Thank you very much for your consideration of our request. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, 617-368-9255 or wlandman@walkboston.org

Best regards,

Wendy Landman
Executive Director

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