Solidarity Economy Headquarters
In the aftermath of the pandemic, average costs of living skyrocketed in Boston, facilitating an even faster process of displacement and gentrification in vulnerable neighborhoods like East Boston. Average rents remain some of the highest in the country and vacancies some of the lowest. Many of the cooperatives within the CCDS ecosystem that require physical space to operate have been unable to find commercial facilities whose rents are feasible for their small businesses, blocking them from being able to open up shop in their own neighborhoods.
Seeing year-over-year rent increases with no relief in sight, CCDS is taking the next step in developing a resilient cooperative economy in East Boston: the creation of a Solidarity HQ. This mixed use space will allow for affordable spaces for cooperatives who need physical space, such as daycare space for childcare coops and commercial kitchens for catering coops, while establishing a community owned and governed asset in the neighborhood. Value will not be siphoned out through rent payments to a landlord but reinvested into the community that generated it. Such a space will serve as a center for the community to gather and plan its future, much like the neighborhood church did for the original founders of CCDS in 2015.
Art by Daniel Cruz
A Permanent Home in East Boston
Foster Community: The headquarters serves as a hub, significantly reducing the effort required to bring people together. Helps to strengthen the sense of community among the coops and the broader East Boston community.
Enhances Cooperative Synergy: By situating cooperatives in close proximity, it naturally increases cooperation and collaboration, leading to more robust and resilient businesses and community.
Centralizes Educational Efforts: The headquarters provides a centralized location for training and educational programs, making it easier to offer comprehensive support and development opportunities for cooperative members and the community.
Establishes a Community Resource: Acting as an open door for the community, the headquarters sets a precedent by being a welcoming space where individuals can seek guidance, ask questions, and explore the benefits of the solidarity economy and cooperative movement.
Support
CCDS currently has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter into a Lease-to-Own arrangement with a property in East Boston. Fundraising the remaining $2.8M acquisition gap will allow CCDS to acquire the property. Donations and pledges made by February 15th will be transformational for this opportunity.
Online Donations
CCDS EIN
99-2557602
Checks made out to
The Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity Inc.
P.O. Box 357
East Boston, MA 02128
Wiring instructions
Please contact Sarah, operations@ccdseastboston.org
Art by Jesus Murillo