DEAR
Dorchester Bay was built for moments like this.
When the path forward isn’t clear—and the year is defined by rising costs, widening gaps, and shifting political tides—we get to work. Because this is what we were made for: bold, creative action in the face of challenge.
In 2024, we put that mindset into motion. We delivered affordable homes that offer more than shelter—they offer stability and pride. We backed small businesses with capital and coaching, helping them grow in the neighborhoods they love. We trained and placed residents in careers that lead to long-term security, not just short-term jobs. We brought neighbors together to shape solutions that reflect their priorities—because they’re the experts on what their communities need.
This is what real impact looks like. And it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes relentless commitment, clear priorities, and people willing to keep showing up.
The stories in this report are the result of that effort—from our team, our partners, our funders, and most importantly, our residents. Every milestone you’ll read about started with listening, with trust, and with the belief that progress is possible.
There’s still work ahead, and we’re not slowing down.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just getting to know Dorchester Bay, we hope this report moves you to get involved—come to an event, support our work, or simply share what you learn. Every connection strengthens our momentum.
Let’s keep building—together.
With gratitude and determination,
Kimberly R. Lyle
DBEDC, Chief Executive Officer
FRIENDS,
We were made for moments like this.
MAKING
BOLD
IMPACT
NEW PATHS TO
In a city where skyrocketing housing costs are pushing families to the margins, Dorchester Bay is building a bold, community-driven future—one rooted in stability, pride, and a deep sense of belonging. We’re creating the conditions for people to stay, grow, and lead in the neighborhoods they call home. Our buildings are designed to stop displacement in its tracks, preserve neighborhood-rooted wealth, and transform local assets into powerful engines of opportunity. Through ambitious residential and commercial projects, we amplify the dynamic voices and meet the evolving needs of the people we serve—because housing is more than shelter; it’s the foundation of a thriving collective.
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
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In March 2024, Leyland Community opened its doors to older adults in Dorchester who had long struggled with rising housing costs and limited accessible housing options. This fully accessible, 43-unit senior apartment building stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy for dignified, affordable housing. In partnership with Hebrew SeniorLife, DBEDC transformed a long-vacant lot into a vibrant senior living facility—nestled beside a community garden and within reach of parks, recreation, and public transit—offering stability, connection, and a renewed sense of home.
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At the close of 2024, Dorchester Bay took action to stop displacement for longtime residents. By acquiring the fully occupied, four-unit property at 14 & 16 W. Cottage Street, we secured lasting housing stability for its senior occupants, including one who has called it home for over 20 years. Strategic acquisitions like these protect rapidly disappearing affordability and ensure our neighborhoods remain places where people can stay rooted, age with dignity, and thrive in the places they helped shape.
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Anchored by the iconic Strand Theatre, Upham’s Corner is rising as Boston’s next vibrant Arts & Culture District—driven in part by Dorchester Bay’s upcoming Columbia Crossing, a game-changing development bringing 48 new affordable homes and a dynamic cultural hub to the heart of Upham’s Corner. In partnership with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), Columbia Crossing will offer dedicated live-work housing for artists, ensuring they can help shape the neighborhood they so vividly reflect. Columbia Crossing will be a catalyst for cultural preservation, a beacon of local pride, and a launchpad for the local creative economy.
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Dorchester Bay is advancing a bold vision for sustainable housing because our neighborhoods deserve clean energy solutions that promote health, stability, and long-term growth. With solar panels on two of our developments, we’ve kept over 264,000 pounds of emissions out of the atmosphere and reduced energy costs for our residents, proving climate leadership starts right at home. In partnership with Resonant Energy, we’re now scaling this success across nine more buildings at our Glendale and Wilder Garden Apartments. This next phase is more than solar power. It means cleaner air and climate resilience led by and for the people who live here.
INVESTING IN
LOCAL TALENT
We see entrepreneurship as a powerful pathway to ownership, stability, and generational wealth. As Boston’s only CDC-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we’re uniquely positioned to accelerate the momentum of local businesses down that path. We provide accessible, low-cost capital to small businesses across six dynamic Boston neighborhoods—backing entrepreneurs who are rich in vision, experience, and drive. Dorchester Bay is proud to partner with those building the future of our local economy. When capital flows to local businesses, it doesn’t just grow their companies. It strengthens entire neighborhoods, generates jobs, and creates opportunities for all.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Phillip Reason, Owner,
Daily Living Recovery House
"I have faced significant challenges, particularly as a Black man starting a business. The startup phase was met with notable resistance, which underscored the systemic barriers many entrepreneurs of color face... Dorchester Bay EDC has supported my business by taking innovative and nontraditional approaches to fostering success for Daily Living Recovery House. Their guidance met me as a new business owner with care, kindness, and authenticity, offering tailored support that truly reflected their commitment to my growth. This support has been a cornerstone of my journey and has greatly contributed to my ability to navigate the challenges of business ownership."
CAREERS
THRIVING
BUILDING
Our workforce development team connects local talent with opportunities to thrive—not just survive. These opportunities offer growth, a connection to purpose, and long-term stability and security. Through targeted skills training, industry-recognized certifications, and a powerful network of employers, we equip individuals with the tools, confidence, and connections to launch meaningful careers, become leaders in their field, and build a future of agency and opportunity.
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For individuals returning home, reliable housing isn’t just a safety net, it’s a launchpad. Through our Rapid Rehousing Program, Dorchester Bay supported 15 returning citizens and their families—a total of 26 individuals—in securing stable homes and fresh starts. With a full year of rental support, our clients had the time and space to rebuild, pursue employment, enroll in job training, and chart a path toward long-term housing stability.
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The green economy presents an opportunity for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change to create real pathways to economic mobility. Dorchester Bay is proud to partner with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Massachusetts to host Bridges to Green Jobs – a bold initiative designed to equip Bostonians with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the rapidly growing green sector. In our inaugural cohort, nine participants completed a two-week weatherization training program. Participants received soft skills training, job readiness coaching, financial education, and career exploration support, giving those who are currently underrepresented in this field the tools they need to build lasting careers.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Allen Cooper, Participant
Bridges to Green Jobs Boston Cohort
“The Bridges to Green Jobs program has helped me grow a lot with even the small things like waking up super early, getting to places on time and simply putting my best self forward. I’m interested in green jobs because they pay well and it’s also kinda cool to say that I have a part in saving the world! Green Jobs has showed me the importance of home energy and has given me many resources and ideas that I can use to someday start my own business.”
COLLECTIVE
BUILDING
POWER
Real change starts when people advocate together. We work side-by-side with residents, ensuring that the resources, tools, and support necessary to take bold action are always within reach. Beyond providing necessary services, we provide the platforms, organizing, and mobilizing they need to become agents of change. Through collective action, neighbors become unstoppable advocates, innovative problem-solvers, and champions for lasting change.
*direct support includes Rental and SNAP application assistance and social service referrals.
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Dorchester Bay is proud to be a member of the project team behind the City of Boston’s Columbia Road Transportation Action Plan, working to redesign Columbia Road over the next 12-18 months. The revitalization includes a focus on improving traffic safety and public health—critical issues for a community that depends on this road for daily life. Dorchester Bay will be advocating throughout the design process to ensure that those who rely on Columbia Road most have a voice in shaping the changes that affect them. By engaging directly with our neighbors, we create opportunities for their needs, priorities, and voices to be heard and addressed. This project isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that every person has a voice in the city planning impacting their neighborhood.
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The Pedestrian Advocacy Training Group — facilitated by Dorchester Bay in partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital— celebrated a major victory, proving that collective action can make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. After conducting neighborhood walks and identifying dangerous safety issues, the group turned their attention to a particularly hazardous crosswalk near the Dudley Street playground, where speeding cars regularly created near-misses and accidents. Responding quickly, they advocated for a flashing crosswalk sign, working alongside neighborhood liaison Anthony Nguyen to ensure the solution became a reality. Today, that flashing sign is a symbol of residents stepping up to protect their own, and that community-led advocacy can create lasting change.
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At Donuts for Delegates and MACDC Lobby Day, residents come together for powerful, in-person advocacy—showing our elected officials what matters most to the people they represent. These annual events provide direct access for residents to voice their needs and push for change. This year, advocates stood strong on issues like affordable housing, public health, climate justice, and more—urging policies that reflect their needs.
2024 FINANCIALS
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
Operating Revenues $10,603,165
Operating Expenses $8,695,609
Operating Surplus (Deficit): $1,907,556
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Assets $44,016,976
Liabilities $15,742,609
Net Assets $28,274,367
Figures include Dorchester Bay core entities (Dorchester Bay EDC, Dorchester Bay Neighborhood Loan Fund, and Dorchester Bay Housing)
Understanding Our 2024 Financial Results
Unaudited results for 2024 show a significant surplus for DBEDC, largely driven by the timing of real estate-related transactions. While this surplus reflects the strength and timing of our long-term investments, it does not represent an influx of unrestricted dollars available for general use. Most of these funds have been allocated to specific projects, debt obligations, and reinvestment commitments that support our mission-driven work in affordable housing and economic development.
It’s critical for our partners and supporters to understand that the year-end surplus does not equate to available cash for operations. Our community-centered programs—especially in small business lending, workforce development, and resident services—depend heavily on philanthropic contributions and mission-aligned investment. Continued support ensures we can translate these one-time gains into sustained, equitable impact for the communities we serve.
Thank you to our 2024 Partners and Supporters!
UPCOMING
EVENTS
DBEDC Annual Block Party
Saturday, July 26 | 12-4 pm
Mary Hannon Park, 613 Dudley Street
DBEDC Annual Fundraiser
Thursday, September 25 | 6-9 pm
More Than Words-Boston, 242 E Berkeley Street
BE BOLD.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Please support our work by making a donation to Dorchester Bay. Your gift fuels bold action, strengthening our commitment to equity, innovation, and opportunity for all. Our commitment to our vibrant community is strengthened by your partnership.
Video courtesy of Boston Preservation Alliance and Padriac Farma.
Donate online or Mail a check to:
Dorchester Bay EDC
594 Columbia Road, Suite 302
Dorchester, MA 02125