Boston council committee advances 13 grants worth more than $6.4 million for city services

BOSTON -- September 23, 2024, Boston City Council committee hears 13 grant dockets totaling more than $6.4 million for elder services, youth programs, and family support. At-large Councilor Erin J. Murphy, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families, and Communities, convened the September 23 hearing with Councilors Edward M. Flynn and Liz Breadon in attendance. The largest single item, Docket 1276, would authorize $2,232,152 in federal Title III-C Nutrition Services funding to support roughly 40 congregate meal sites and the citywide Meals on Wheels program through the Age-Strong Commission. The Mayor's Office of Housing testified on a $100,000 Boston Charitable Trust grant for the Senior SAFE heating replacement program, which has served 481 seniors since 2015. Chief of Human Services Jose Masso announced the launch of Let's Play Boston alongside a $150,000 Boston Children's Hospital grant for youth swim and sports access. No formal votes were taken; Murphy signaled the committee intends to advance all 13 dockets to the full council.