Clean Corners...Bright Hopes

The name says it all!
Clean Corners…Bright Hopes is an economic development initiative at Project Place that employs men and women in transition from homelessness to a self-reliant life while providing supplemental maintenance services to neighborhoods and business districts throughout Boston.

Already successfully implemented in a number of areas including the Washington Street Corridor, the Downtown Crossing area, the Fenway, Kenmore Square, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Allston, the New Market area, the Holocaust Memorial, and along Tremont Street in the South End, Clean Corners has made a difference both in the economic vitality of these communities and in the lives of the homeless men and women employed there.

What happens when Clean Corners is brought into a community?
Maintenance services are offered to Clean Corners communities that supplement basic services provided by the City of Boston. These services include additional trash pick-up, graffiti removal, painting, planting, removal of flyers and/or stickers, and street sweeping. In addition, employees are available for special projects, including set up and clean up at neighborhood events, hanging Christmas wreaths, and spring plantings.

The results of these services are remarkable. Streets are cleaner, safer, and more inviting for the people who work, live, or shop in the area. Clean Corners employees take pride in their accomplishments, becoming a visible presence on the streets they maintain, gaining marketable skills, and acquiring the tools and supports they need to make significant, permanent life changes.

How are these services funded?
Neighborhood and business associations contract with Project Place to provide public maintenance services, event set up, and other special projects on a fee for service basis.

All other operational costs associated with the Clean Corners program (e.g., supervision, job training, case management, and support services for employees) are paid for through a combination of public grant money and private foundation and individual support.

In addition, some of our neighborhoods are funded completely through corporate sponsorship. Become a sponsor here>

What are the benefits to corporate sponsorship?
Sponsorship of Clean Corners...Bright Hopes is an opportunity to promote your business, clean-up Boston, and create a solution to homelessness — all at the same time! As a corporate partner, your investment will help Clean Corners ...Bright Hopes grow and expand, improving the maintenance services offered to Boston business districts and neighborhoods, and creating more jobs for highly motivated homeless men and women. Corporate sponsors have included Mellon New England, and The Boston Red Sox.

Your sponsorship will be promoted with your company’s logo on employee uniforms and vehicles, and through press releases, special events, and agency publications. Not only will your company be identified with the economic benefits of cleaner, safer city streets; but you will be distinguished as a leader in an innovative community initiative creating a solution to one of our most persistent social challenges.

Who do I contact for more information?
If you are interested in bringing Clean Corners into your neighborhood or business district and would like to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact:

Suzanne Kenney, Executive Director
Project Place
1145 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: (617) 542-3740 x13
Fax: (617) 542-3860
Email: skenney@projectplace.org

If you are interested in fee for service or special event contracts, contact:

Frank Woods, Director of Finance & Social Enterprise
Project Place
1145 Washington
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: (617) 542-3740 x11
Fax: (617) 542-3860
Email: fwoods@projectplace.org

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Project Pepsi

Great Taste Never Did So Much Good!
Developed as a partnership between Pepsi Bottling Group and Project Place in 1992, Project Pepsi employs homeless men and women to service Pepsi vending machines in the Greater Boston area.

At no cost to your business or organization, you can have a vending machine with a full selection of Pepsi sodas, juice and spring water available to you.

How do I get a machine?
You can email us at fwoods@projectplace.org or call Frank Woods at (617) 262-3740 x11. We will ask a few questions and schedule a short visit at your site to plan machine location and arrange delivery details. It’s quick and easy!

What if my machine breaks?
Project Pepsi personnel are trained to repair simple jams and fix other minor problems. Major repairs are performed by the Pepsi Bottling Group’s nationally recognized service organization, usually within 24 hours.

What about empties?
Project Pepsi is happy to remove your empty cans at your request and will provide a collection bin next to the machine.

Can you guarantee good service?
Yes! At Project Pepsi quality service is our prime concern. All of Project Pepsi’s employees go through a job readiness program and are professionally trained prior to joining our workforce. Our employees receive ongoing support and supervision as well, and are strongly motivated to succeed. Employees are reliable, courteous, and committed to providing our customers with excellent service. For more information contact:

Frank Woods, Director of Finance & Social Enterprise
Project Place
1145 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: (617) 542-3740 x11
Fax: (617) 542-3860
Email: fwoods@projectplace.org

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HomePlate

A Home Run Business!
HomePlate, Project Place's newest social business venture, employs homeless individuals to market a line of wholesome, quality, homemade foods through a number of venues in the Boston area including pushcarts located in high pedestrian-trafficked areas in Boston, South End markets and restaurants, and eventually larger wholesale establishments.

What kind of food do you sell?
Our initial product line includes two types of chili (beef and vegetarian) served with cornbread.

How did you choose the recipe?
In March 2005 we held a HomePlate Chili Cook-off at Fenway Park to identify the best meat and vegetarian chili recipes to become HomePlate's initial and signature product. Over 200 participants sampled chili from 14 of the Boston area's finest chefs, ultimately selecting their favorite. Nookie from Oleana was the meat chili winner and Robert Lionette from The Garden of Eden won for the best vegetarian chili-both winning chefs not only supplied Project Place with their chili recipes but also donated their time to work directly with the HomePlate chef and staff to recreate the chili on a larger scale.

Where can I find the HomePlate pushcart?
Currently the HomePlate pushcart is operating in the Downtown Crossing Area on Summer Street in front of Macy's. The pushcart is open Monday through Friday during lunchtime from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

How can I get HomePlate to cater a chili lunch for me?
If you are interested in learning more about HomePlate's corporate catering option, please contact:

Brandon Headrick, Food & Beverage Manager
Project Place
1145 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: (617) 542-3740 x36
Fax: (617) 542-3860
Email: bheadrick@projectplace.org

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