Bridging The Gap Event 2015

On June 20th, The Community Committee for Health Promotion invited BHA residents to participate in the 6th Annual Bridging the Gap event to receive information about ongoing health programs, resources, housing, and public transportation.

In light of Charlestown’s potential upcoming redevelopment, Mr. McGonagle, BHA’s Administrator, gave an update on the future of BHA and its current initiatives. After his 40 minute talk, he opened the floor to residents with questions.

Aileen Shen, Director of the Boston REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) Partners in Health and Housing initiative and one of the facilitators who hosted a round table group thereafter, encouraged residents to take advantage of free water accessible through their very own kitchen faucets.

“Tap water is healthy and free. And Boston is fortunate to have the best tap water in the nation.  It is award winning and tastes great. It is the best beverage for quenching thirst and does not have empty calories and helps maintain good health.” Shen said.

Eugenia Smith, a community activist who received an award for her continuous support for tenants in 2007, created the event so residents could voice concerns and walk away with meaningful information.

Because the event included free water bottles and a raffle with health-related prizes, a lucky resident got to bring home a new water filter system.

To assess the topics of the event, residents filled out summary evaluation sheets that included topics and any related concerns.

This year, the topics were managing health, chronic diseases, and issues like frequent delays with public transportation.

“Some residents wanted to know why some areas had more buses than others,” Smith said. “The whole group said it takes everyone to call the MBTA, [when transportation issues arise].  It’s important to stick together as not just a public housing unit, but city residents in general tackling all that keeps coming.”

Rachel Goodman, Director of Community Services, connected residents to programs and services for families in her group and noted new people, particularly elderly, attended this year’s event. “I was really pleased with the turnout,” Goodman said. “People were really engaged and I can tell this event has already made a difference.”