Union Capital Boston’s Partnership with Urban Edge
In the first of our partner organization series, we explore the powerful work shared between Union Capital Boston and Urban Edge, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening Boston communities and empowering residents. Through our collaborative efforts, we create opportunities for connection, growth, and support across the city.
Meet Alia Pacombe, a key team member at Urban Edge as she shares her experience collaborating with Union Capital. Through this conversation, we explore the shared goals and community-driven impact that define the work we do.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what Urban Edge does.
A: I’ve been with Urban Edge for about 14 years. As Director of Community Engagement, I oversee various services we provide to residents in our housing. Urban Edge itself is an affordable housing developer based in Roxbury, but our properties extend across Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain. We own about 1,400 housing units in the city. Our departments focus on building and renovating housing, resident services, asset and property management, fundraising, and community programs.
Our Community Programs team specifically supports wealth building for families through homebuyer classes, financial literacy education, and more. Urban Edge and Union Capital Boston (UCB) partnered about 10 years ago, and we’ve collaborated on grant applications and resident leadership development programs, supporting the community together in many meaningful ways.
Q: How long has Urban Edge been operating, and what are some of your key programs?
A: Urban Edge just celebrated 50 years! We began in 1974, sparked by a community effort to prevent a highway from being built through our neighborhoods. Initially, Urban Edge acted as a brokerage, purchasing, renovating, and reselling properties to low-income families. Over the years, we shifted to affordable housing development, creating mixed-rental units for various income levels.
Our key programs focus on wealth-building opportunities for residents, homeownership programs, financial coaching, youth employment, and senior wellness. For instance, our credit boot camp helps residents improve their credit and save toward homeownership, and our Strong Start program prepares young children for kindergarten in a specially designed classroom.
Additionally, we hold community events like turkey drives, toy giveaways, and senior wellness classes.
Q: How did Urban Edge’s partnership with Union Capital Boston come about?
A: UCB initially reached out looking for a space for their team and community events, like Network Nights. We offered one of our commercial spaces, which helped kick off our partnership. Since then, the relationship has evolved, and now we collaborate on grants, connect them with other CDCs, and jointly work to serve the community in deeper ways.
Q: Can you share some examples of collaborative projects between Urban Edge and UCB?
A: Sure! Together, we host an annual Back-to-School event where we distribute backpacks and school supplies to community families. UCB helps by bringing in additional sponsors, vendors, and activities. We also collaborated on a Summer Fest event before COVID, with activities like bouncy houses and cotton candy. After COVID, we pivoted to the joint Back-to-School format, which has continued to grow each year. It’s been a wonderful partnership that allows us to combine resources and support the community in unique ways.
Q: What impact has the partnership had on Urban Edge’s ability to reach and support the community?
A: UCB’s app and platform have been incredibly useful in promoting our programs and boosting attendance at community events. Residents who participate earn points through the UCB app, creating an added incentive to engage. This collaboration has also connected us with a UCB resident leader, Mahogany, who’s also an Urban Edge resident. Mahogany attends our events, promotes UCB’s app, and encourages community participation.
Q: How has having a Union Capital Network Coordinator benefited Urban Edge’s programs?
A: The network coordinator role has been invaluable. Previous leaders like Pam Walker were incredibly dedicated to the partnership, helping us recruit volunteers and engage residents. Pam was always eager to help, and her presence made a significant difference in the success of our events. Our current network coordinator, Mahogany, is equally committed and supportive, maintaining that spirit of active engagement and community support.
Q: Could you share a specific story that highlights the Network Coordinator’s impact?
A: Pam Walker, our former network leader, was deeply committed to the community. She would respond immediately to requests for volunteers and was always present at our events. Mahogany, our current leader, has also been exceptional. She was engaged with UCB even before taking on the leadership role, volunteering at our events. Her enthusiasm and involvement have made her a tremendous asset in our collaboration with UCB.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited to collaborate on with UCB?
A: We’re currently working together on a civic engagement campaign for rent control and advocacy, which has been an impactful project.
With the upcoming November election, we’re considering reviving our past Get-Out-the-Vote campaigns. In the past, we held phone banking sessions at the Urban Edge office, and we’re interested in exploring that again. We’re also planning a turkey drive in November, and we’ll likely reach out to UCB to see if we can work together on this community tradition.
We are thrilled to partner with such an inspiring organization as Urban Edge, and we look forward to continuing this work together, supporting residents and creating a more resilient, connected Boston.