Advocacy Policy

Brookview House engages in policy and advocacy work for systemic change because it recognizes that homelessness and poverty are deeply rooted in systemic inequities. As a Black and Latinx women-led organization, Brookview House understands that to truly break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, there must be a concerted effort to address the structural barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. By advocating for policies that promote justice, equity, and inclusion, Brookview House aims to create lasting change that not only supports individual families but also transforms the systems that perpetuate inequality. This commitment to systemic change is essential to achieving their mission of empowering women and children to build a future free from poverty and homelessness.

Our Advocacy Achievements

Hosted Annual Legislative Luncheons at the State House to discuss legislative priorities that impact family homelessness, including rental vouchers, transitional aid to families with dependent children, accessing and creating affordable childcare, and advocating for livable wages for childcare providers.

  • Hosted City Council hearings on family homelessness and childcare policies

  • Helped to secure passage of HB 1382, which provides community-based sentencing alternatives for primary caretakers of dependent children who have been convicted of non-violent crimes (get Date).

  • Convened a diverse array of partners to highlight innovative solutions to the challenges during the pandemic as part of its focus on “Practice to Policy”. During 2021, the Brookview team convened a 3-part Lunch & Learn webinar series focused on resilience during and post the pandemic focused on Black and Brown youth, parents, and the workforce. This initiative was co-sponsored by the MA Women of Color Network and Community Labor United. Panelists and Moderators included: Brookview Teens, and representatives from Boston Medical Center, BMC Health Net Plan, Brown Brothers Harriman, Commonwealth Mental Health & Wellness Center, and the Victim Rights Law Center.

  • Between 2008 and 2015, convened annual “Practice to Policy” conferences in collaboration with Wheelock College and Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences featuring policymakers, clinicians, and community partners to identify best practices that help families experiencing homelessness succeed.

  • Brookview is a founding member of the “Care That Works” Coalition to change the childcare system in MA with a focus on ensure living wages for childcare providers.

  • Brookview is one of five partners in “Keeping Black Survivors Alive” – a statewide domestic violence prevention policy initiative.