THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 18, 2026 Page 5 Housing Families and Citizens Inn announce plans to unite, strengthening services across the North Shore Special to The Advocate H ousing Families and Citizens Inn announced that their Boards of Directors have signed a Letter of Intent to pursue a union between the two agencies, with a target date of November 1, 2026. This announcement follows a comprehensive due diligence process conducted with outside advisors. For more than 40 years, both organizations have been deeply rooted in the communities they serve, providing critical support to individuals and families across the North Shore. This Letter of Intent reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability, operational excellence and building stronger, more responsive programs that can better meet evolving community needs. “This partnership is about building a stronger foundation for the future,” said Housing Families CEO Laura Rosi. “By bringing together the strengths of two well-established organizations, we are positioning ourselves to deliver high-quality services more effectively, invest in our people and programs, and remain resilient in an increasingly challenging environment. Most importantly, this partnership allows us to deepen our impact while staying true to the communities that have shaped our work for more than 40 years.” “At a time when the need for our services has never been greater, we’re excited to work with an organization that shares our values and our commitment to those we serve,” added Citizens Inn Executive Director Melissa González. “This union would mean more resources and greater capacity behind the programs our community depends on, now and for decades to come.” Working together as a single organization, the agencies would expand their capacity to serve communities across the North Shore, strengthening their collective impact in advancing housing stability, food security and overall well-being. A unified organization would build on the strengths of both agencies, creating greater opportunities for innovation, advocacy and sustainable growth while preserving the community-centered approach that has defined each organization for decades. As a united organization, Citizens Inn and Housing Families would be better positioned to respond to emerging community needs, achieve greater impact and amplify the voices of the individuals and families they support. About Citizens Inn: Based in Peabody, Massachusetts, the organization provides emergency shelter and transitional supportive housing for families, affordable housing, a food pantry and community meals program through Haven from Hunger, and a Community Resource Center, which is open to the general public, offering direct services and referrals to support food and housing security. Learn more at www.citizensinn.org. About Housing Families Inc.: Since 1986, Housing Families has been providing housing and wellness services to nearly 7,000 people each year. Housing Families is based in Malden and provides homelessness prevention and legal services, emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing for families and individuals. Housing Families also offers wellness services, including food and grocery assistance, a therapeutic and academic outof-school time program and clinical mental health services. Learn more at www.housingfamilies.org. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma MORE SUPPORT. MORE SOLUTIONS. LESS WORRY. Clear answers, faster decisions, and a team that goes above and beyond to get things done. We make it easy for you to get more of what you want. Because here, easy means more. EverettBank.com ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
6 Publizr Home