After years of hard work, it's time to...CELEBRATE!
In June 1999 (yes - 9 years ago!), this garage on our street went up for sale by its owner, the City of Boston. We submitted a bid of $3,001 and after lots of patience and prayers, and several twists and turns, we praise God that we are now the stewards of this useful building. We officially own the garage. Boston Project Properties, Inc. has continued to improve the property and uses the space for furniture donations, tool storage, youth activities, and gardening. Thanks to the many individuals, youth groups, and church families who donated funds or hands-on service to make this prayer a reality! The garage is fully paid off.
Summer 2008 Update - Letter to Summer Missions Program Youth, Adult Leaders and Church Families
Dear Friend of The Boston Project,
Thank you for spending an action-packed week of your summer here in Dorchester! By now you've gotten a glimpse of life in our neighborhood and seen how The Boston Project is involved in ministry throughout the city. You've helped further our neighborhood outreach in many tangible, hands-on ways!
One critical tool supporting our service and outreach is the Elmhurst Street garage. It used to be just one of the many auto-related businesses that dominate our area. Back in '99 when we realized it was up for sale, we jumped on the opportunity to buy it! By literally submitting a proposal overnight to the city, we were named developer for the property. The City of Boston agreed to sell it for only $3,001- an amazing testimony of God's provision!
It has taken nine years of legal proceedings and finally the City is ready to close the deal. The final cost to purchase and renovate the garage is $10,000 (what a deal!). We have raised $5,500 so far, and are hoping that Summer Missions Program participants can help raise $1,500 of our remaining need.
That's why I'm asking you to consider helping The Boston Project this summer with a tax-deductible gift of $25, $50, $100 or more towards the Buy the Garage Capital Campaign.
The Elmhurst Street garage allows us to house service and outreach supplies for the 1,200+ volunteers we host annually and holds furniture donated for our neighbors in need. You've probably seen the garage in action this week- will you join me in making sure that this vital resource continues to be available within our neighborhood?
Thank you for joining in God's work here in the city of Boston. As you return home, I pray that the Good News continues to be a daily, living reality in your lives, overflowing to your home communities!
Blessings In Christ,
Paul Malkemes
Executive Director
Our fundraising drive to buy the garage ends August 30, 2008.
Please prayerfully consider sending a gift to our Buy the Garage Capital Campaign before this date if possible. You can donate on-line today.We have raised $39.57 towards our $1,500 goal for the Summer Missions Program. The overall outstanding need is $4,500.
A Home for Our Service & Outreach Supplies and Furniture Donations
During the summer of 1999, we learned that the 8-bay car garage next to our home was owned by the City of Boston and was up for sale. We had been using the garage minimally for outreach activities, and now feared that one of the many auto-related businesses in our neighborhood would want the building. Instead of children playing, we could have mechanics working. We had to act quickly!Our Executive Director, Paul Malkemes, overnight completed a request for proposal (RFP) and submitted it within two days to the City with over 45 letters from neighbors, community organizations, and businesses. After a two month wait, we received notification from the City naming The Boston Project Ministries as developer. As an amazing testimony to God's provision, the City agreed to sell us this property for only $3,001 (currently valued at $59,000).
We now need to finish raising the funds. The capital campaign for the garage includes expenses to purchase and rehab the structure to further our service & outreach in the community. The garage is currently used for storing tools for work projects, recreation supplies for children's programs, and furniture donations for families in need.
