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Pine Street Inn

Graduate speaker Efrain is congratulated by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Pine Street Inn recently celebrated the graduation of more than 70 trainees from the iCater/food services and housekeeping job training programs.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, this year’s keynote speaker, told the graduates, "Today's celebration isn't about something that you've been given but about what you have earned. We're here to celebrate your incredible hard work and the scale and brilliance of your accomplishments."

Graduate speaker Efrain inspired the audience with his remarks. "The iCater program has done so much for me, putting my dream of becoming a chef back on track. I especially love baking, and I want to bring smiles to the people of the world by delivering delicious treats. In addition to job skills, the training program teaches us the importance of teamwork, budgeting and how to prepare for a job interview."

We are pleased to report that Efrain recently started his "dream" job at Flour Bakery+Café!

Watch the graduation videos and learn more about this year's graduates.

Homeless Court:
The Court of Second Chances

When Chris and his mother became homeless, he blamed himself. After an on-the-job injury, he began to struggle with substance use disorder, and he and his mother fell behind on their mortgage payments, eventually losing their home. Once in recovery, Chris was determined to get back on track. He applied for housing, only to discover that his application would not be accepted due to an outstanding warrant.

Chris turned to Pine Street Inn's Homeless Court for a second chance. The monthly court session, presided over by Judge Kathleen Coffey, helps people like Chris resolve legal barriers that prevent them from securing housing and employment. He was able to resolve his legal issues, and Chris and his mother recently signed the lease on a new apartment!

Watch coverage on WCVB.

Emily Ahman-Gamble:
Supporting Others

Housing with support services is vital to ending homelessness. Emily Ahman-Gamble, a housing clinical services team supervisor at Pine Street Inn, ensures that tenants receive the support needed to remain housed and healthy.

"I was drawn to the human connection of this work," Emily says. "My team provides crisis intervention and clinical assessments for tenants, working with them to create stability. That can mean helping someone access therapy, connect with a recovery coach or navigate a difficult moment."

While the work can be challenging, Emily is proud of the relationships her team builds with tenants, helping them rebuild their lives and reach their highest level of independence.

Continue reading Emily's story.

Reaching Out in the Heat

With Boston’s recent record-breaking summer temperatures, individuals living on the streets are at risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Many people have underlying medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable to the heat.

Pine Street Inn's outreach teams canvass the streets day and night, distributing cold water, sunscreen, bug spray, light clothing and food, as well as encouraging people to come inside to Pine Street’s air-conditioned shelters.

Outreach clinicians Ellie del Valle and Emma Reading discussed efforts to ensure individuals living on the street are safe. "Our team is out on the street, blanketing the city."

If you see someone on the street in distress, please call 911.