Congratulations, Shivangi! Thank you for all you do to support our residents and further the work of building a healthy Boston.
I am both honoured and excited to take on my new role as the Harm Reduction Housing Program Manager at the Boston Public Health Commission. The past year at the Commission has been life-changing for me. I’ve had the privilege of working closely on several projects related to substance use and homelessness, with a particular focus on Opioid Settlement Grants, low-threshold sites, and supporting the formation of Boston's OD2A Community Advisory Board. My most rewarding experience has been working closely with the low-threshold sites, managing and coordinating intakes, and addressing barriers to access for our target population. I’ve also supported sites in responding to critical incidents and addressing various needs that arise, while actively contributing to the development of policies that ensure these sites continue to operate effectively and equitably. Through this work, I've developed key goals for my new role. The impact of this intervention is immeasurable, whether it’s providing housing, offering clinical and mental health support, or simply creating a safe space for individuals to stabilise. This intervention is leading the charge for a housing-first philosophy. As I step into this new role, I’m committed to expanding harm reduction resources, offering life skills training, increasing mental health support, and fostering new community partnerships to make this a holistic model that helps individuals successfully transition to permanent housing and achieving their individual goals. I am proud and honoured to be part of the Commission and excited to embark on this new journey. I can’t thank Yailka Cardenas and Michele Clark enough for their constant leadership and support. They are true leaders in every sense. Jennifer Tracey Tracey, our former Director and now working with RIZE, played a pivotal role in helping me transition into this new responsibility and has always been a source of motivation. Christian Arthur has not only been a mentor but has also set an example I strive to follow. I am also incredibly grateful to my peers at the Commission who supported me every step of the way, especially when I was nervous during the interviews - Jade Ealy, Fatumata "Mima" Kaba, Leigh Darrell, Shereen Sodder, Sumaiya Miah, Camilla Ostrow, Angel Rosario and Ryan O'Neill. And lastly and most importantly to Dr. Bisola Ojikutu whose leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering belief in our work and her constant support have empowered us to meaningful progress and continue pushing forward.