History & Services

Over the past three decades, Lena Park CDC has been established as a key provider of housing and human services in Boston.

Lena Park was founded in 1968 by community residents concerned with affordable housing needs and youth development. Working with churches and community planning agencies, the group incorporated as Lena Park Housing Development, and went on to develop and rehabilitate hundreds of affordable housing units in Dorchester and Mattapan.

In 1970, under the direction of a talented community leader, Patrick F. Jones, Jr., Lena Park expanded into a multi-service community center, formally incorporating as the Lena Park CDC the following year. In recognition of the value and importance of this new organization, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies transferred ownership of the YMHA Hecht House, 150 American Legion Highway, to Lena Park.

Lena Park is SOMWBA certified and received recognition from the Internal Revenue Service in 1973 as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization.