Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, June 14, 2019 Housing Families staff walks to support kids in need H ousing Families’ staff is taking to the streets – or more accurately, sidewalks – to raise money to benefi t its G.R.E.A.T. Youth and Families Program (GYFP) that provides families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with counseling SABATINOINSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available and after-school tutoring. Saturday, June 22, members of Housing Families’ staff will be participating in a 5K Walk for GYFP within Malden, with the goal of raising $100,000 to support the healing and growth of families that are experiencing the toxic stress caused by housing instability. “Our services are powerful and transformative,” emphasized Barbara Schwartz, the Director of the G.R.E.A.T. Youth and Families Program. “One kid said ‘GYFP is offi cially the best place ever!’ It’s because for the fi rst time he feels safe, has had academic success, and feels confi dent and strong in his ability.” According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, homeless children are four times as likely to have PARKING | from page 1 http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only Shirley Avenue business districts, and the purchase of new technology that strictly monitors revenue and eliminates unsecured cash exposure. These reforms have the Parking Department on pace to collect a record amount of parking meter revenue, with 2019 projections nearing $150,000. The increased parking revenue will reap tangible benefits. “Revere at long last will be able to create a Parking Benefits District under the 2016 statewide Municipal Modernization Act,” said Mayor Arrigo. “Our parking meter revenues will be reinvested directly back into the parking district for improvements in pedestrian safety and neighborhood aesthetics, with new benches, trees, and lighting in our business districts.” Mayor Arrigo ordered an internal audit of all city departments in March of 2016. That audit recommended further review of cash collection procedures by the City of Revere, and the Parking Department came under specific scrutiny due to a dramatic decrease in parking meter revenue over a number of years. As a result of an audit of the Parking Department, two employees were placed on unpaid administrative leave and the information turned over to Revere Police. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office determined that criminal charges were warranted against one of the employees. Further measures against the two employees will follow the City of Revere’s internal administrative personnel process. a developmental delay. With frequent housing changes, homeless children often only fall farther behind in school. In Fiscal Year 2018, 90% of the families served by the agency lived in Malden, Everett, Revere, Medford, and Chelsea. If you would like to donate to Housing Families’ 5K Walk for GYFP, please visit its website: https://housingfamilies.org. “We applaud the City of Revere for taking proactive measures to ensure the public trust,” Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “The efforts they are taking to move forward with new policies and procedures will provide for more accountability for all.” “Our promise to the residents of Revere is accountability, transparency, and modernized services,” said Mayor Arrigo. “When we learned the results of the audit, we took hold of a troublesome situation and since then have turned the Parking Department into an exemplary department that now functions efficiently and improves quality of life for our residents and business owners. The people of Revere deserve the best from city services and staff meets the highest standards of integrity,” Mayor Arrigo said. WIN | from page 1 to our streets and sidewalks,” she said. “As a councillor-at-large, I represent the entire city, so I am happy to see that the funds will impact many parts of the city and many streets and sidewalks that impact our residents’ daily lives.” Not only will the money from Chapter 90 fi x stubborn potholes and old sidewalks, but it will allow other projects to become possible in Revere. Some may even make life a little easier for people living with a disability. “I am working with the COD on improving handicap accessible parking at the Harry Della Russo stadium,” said Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe. “The additional funds will help cover the cost of this project, creating two to three handicap cutouts at the entrance of the stadium, which are much needed to accommodate persons with disabilities trying to use or visit the venue,” he said. In addition to creating handicap accessible parking at Harry Della Russo stadium, Keefe said, he hopes to see some changes made to Revere’s roads. “I was extremely pleased to see the increase in available cash through chapter 90 funds. Working with the Mayor’s Offi ce, Councillor [Arthur] Guinasso and I lobbied for some roadwork improvements needed in our Wards that intersect,” he said. “Lincoln St. has been long overdue for repaving, and we were excited to get the monies set aside to have this street added to the list of repairs.” Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna is also ready to see some big changes made to Revere’s municipal roads, and thinks this money will allow the city to make some muchneeded fi xes. “Any extra Chapter 90 money allotted to the city is always a wonderful gift,” she said. “The extra money will be used to renew some muchneeded deplorable sidewalks and repave some of our old pothole-ridden roads.”
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