In a significant move to support homeless young adults, Breaktime, a Boston-based nonprofit, has purchased a downtown office building for $6.3 million. This acquisition comes as a strategic response to rising rental costs and aims to provide essential services and job training for the community.
Key Takeaways
- Breaktime purchased a 34,000-square-foot building at 63 Franklin Street.
- The deal closed last Friday, with plans to move in starting this Friday.
- The nonprofit aims to provide job training and placement services on the top three floors.
- A health clinic will be established on the second floor by Boston Health Care for the Homeless in 2026.
- The ground floor will seek a retail tenant to create job opportunities for participants.
Strategic Acquisition Amid Rising Costs
As rental prices in downtown Boston remain high, Breaktime cofounder Connor Schoen recognized the need for a permanent space. After searching for a suitable location, he found a mostly vacant five-story building that fit the organization’s needs perfectly.
The decision to buy rather than rent was influenced by the significant drop in building values in the area, making this an opportune moment for the nonprofit.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Breaktime plans to utilize the top three floors of the new building for its core mission: providing job training and placement services to homeless young adults from Boston and surrounding areas. The organization has evolved since its inception in 2018, initially aiming to open a café for young adults to work in. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a broader focus on job training and support services.
In addition to job training, the second floor will house a clinic operated by Boston Health Care for the Homeless, set to open in 2026. This collaboration aims to address the health needs of the homeless population, further enhancing the services offered at the new location.
A Vision for Community Ownership
Schoen envisions Breaktime as a trendsetter in the nonprofit sector, advocating for community-based organizations to reclaim and own spaces in urban areas. He believes that this model can revitalize commercial districts that have been adversely affected by high vacancy rates post-pandemic.
"We want to be a trendsetter with this," Schoen stated. "The idea of community-based organizations reclaiming and owning community spaces right in our downtown is a great idea. We’re making it happen in our own way."
Support from Philanthropic Partners
The successful acquisition was made possible through the generous support of several philanthropic couples, including Stephane and Brenda Bancel, Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine, and Linda Hammett Ory and Andy Ory. Their contributions highlight the importance of community support in addressing homelessness and providing sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
Breaktime’s acquisition of the downtown office building marks a pivotal moment in its mission to support homeless young adults. With plans for job training, health services, and community engagement, the nonprofit is poised to make a lasting impact in Boston’s downtown area, setting a precedent for other organizations to follow.
Sources
- Homelessness nonprofit buys downtown office building for $6.3m, The Boston Globe.
- Homelessness nonprofit buys downtown office building for $6.3m, The Boston Globe.
