The year 2017 marked a significant milestone for CAPIC, which observed five decades of operation as a community action agency. Founded in 1967 to serve Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop as the federally and state-designated Community Action Agency, CAPIC traces its origins to 1965, when the City of Chelsea obtained its inaugural grant from the Office of Economic Opportunity to create the Chelsea Community Action Council and Community Action Programs Revere Initiative.
For fifty years, CAPIC has functioned as both an initial resource for those in crisis and a final recourse when all other avenues prove exhausted. The organization operates as a problem-solving entity that consistently surpasses conventional expectations and accomplishes what others deem impossible. In its capacity as a comprehensive, multi-service community-based organization, CAPIC delivers integrated anti-poverty assistance to thousands of struggling individuals and families. A Board of Directors comprising representatives from public, private, and low-income constituencies across the three communities has provided essential stability, maintaining organizational oversight while preserving the core mission.
CAPIC has stood as a protective force for vulnerable residents throughout the region, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters. In October 1973, FEMA commissioned CAPIC to relocate 200 families displaced by a devastating conflagration that consumed over twenty blocks of Chelsea. During February 1978’s blizzard, the organization furnished Revere families—both those stranded by snow and those displaced by flooding—with housing, clothing, food, and emergency oil. More recent crises include a July 28, 2014 tornado that displaced Revere families, for whom CAPIC secured emergency housing, and a four-alarm fire on Taft Street, Revere on June 13, 2017, after which the organization rapidly coordinated with Revere officials to place affected families in temporary shelters.
Today CAPIC continues as a dynamic force serving more than 15,000 area residents annually through diverse, essential services. During 2017 alone, the organization provided access to food and basic needs for nearly 2,000 at-risk, low-income individuals and families; shielded 33 families from homelessness via United Way EFSP funds; protected an additional 23 families through EOHHS Flex funds for rental assistance; distributed 1,500 winter coats to adults and children in partnership with Anton’s Cleaners Coats for Kids program; gave Christmas and holiday toys to 450 low-income children; delivered comprehensive case management, advocacy, and counseling to 50 domestic violence victims; and offered 100 street-involved Chelsea residents struggling with substance and alcohol issues direct comprehensive support services. CAPIC’s Mobile Outreach Team also conducted intensive street outreach in Chelsea, identifying and connecting street-involved homeless individuals experiencing alcohol and opioid addiction with services, achieving 50 sober living placements and 40 medical interventions facilitated by a volunteer licensed physician.
In May 2017, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) officially designated CAPIC as the Continuum of Care – Balance of State Homeless Provider for Chelsea and Revere, charging the organization with coordinating homelessness prevention activities, managing the Annual Point-In-Time Count in conjunction with DHCD, and organizing volunteer efforts to count unsheltered persons. CAPIC also established a partnership with MGH through the Merck Foundation: Alliance to Advance Patient-Centered Cancer Care Grant, a two-year initiative designed to enhance equity in cancer care for underserved populations. Additionally, CAPIC obtained an FY’17 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the City of Chelsea to expand healthcare access for low-income Chelsea residents.
The organization facilitated winter warmth for 3,431 low-income households through the Fuel Assistance Program; enhanced energy efficiency for 80 households with weatherization services; and replaced or repaired 435 inefficient heating systems. CAPIC furnished responsible payee support services to 400 individuals referred by the Social Security Administration, prepared tax returns for 192 individuals, and delivered Head Start and educational support to over 500 low-income children ages 0-13, including child care, after-school, and summer camp programming. Through the Chelsea/Revere Family Network program, CAPIC reached over 400 families with parenting instruction and healthy family development services. CAPIC Real Estate, Inc. partnered with CAPIC to acquire a 13-unit lodging house at 72 Dehon Street, Revere, preserving affordable housing opportunities for tenants.
Success stems from dedicated public servants, committed Board of Directors and Policy Council members, and elected and appointed officials whose steadfast backing proves indispensable. State and federal partners at DHCD and HHS demonstrate compassion for economically disadvantaged populations, while collaborating sister organizations strengthen collective impact. Spiritual guidance from local clergy has sustained the organization’s resolve. CAPIC values strong partnerships with local law enforcement and fire services, alongside support from city and town Community Development and Health Departments. Historic collaboration with school systems has enabled Head Start and After-School/Summer Camp programming. CAPIC extends particular appreciation to former State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Representatives RoseLee Vincent and Dan Ryan, and Senators Sal DiDomenico and Joe Boncore for their enduring commitment.
CAPIC’s third Executive Director reflected: “fblikebutton_button”Progress has not been easy- there have been crises, cutbacks, quarrels, opposition. Yet, when it was most important, we have always closed ranks and worked together, and so accomplished much. Perhaps even more important are our less tangible accomplishments. Because of CAPIC, thousands of Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop residents, especially low-income people, have become aware of their rights and responsibilities, and the value of working together to improve opportunities for all.”fblikebutton_button”