East End House advocates push for expansion amid community support in East Cambridge

The Ordinance Committee of Cambridge convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss the future of the East End House, a vital community resource in East Cambridge. The meeting featured a series of heartfelt testimonies from residents who emphasized the significant role the East End House plays in their lives and the community at large.

The session began with a passionate appeal from a long-time supporter of East End House, who shared personal experiences from childhood through adulthood, highlighting the organization’s impact on families, seniors, and children. This speaker urged the committee to ensure that community benefits from a proposed redevelopment project at 320 Charles Street remain focused on supporting East End House, reinforcing its importance as a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Eileen Pires, another resident, shared a deeply personal story about how East End House provided support during a tragic time in her life, offering resources and a sense of community that helped her family rebuild. She urged the committee to recognize the institution's invaluable contributions over generations.

Felix Diaz, a staff member at East End House, spoke about his journey from participant to employee, emphasizing the need for a new facility to better serve the growing community. He noted that the current space limits their ability to expand programs, particularly for middle school students.

Kathy Polarski and Donna Barrasso echoed similar sentiments, sharing their long histories with East End House and the essential services it provides, from childcare to senior programs. Barrasso highlighted the need for a larger facility to accommodate the increasing demand for services, particularly for seniors who rely on the center for socialization and support.

As the meeting progressed, several speakers, including Sandra Ellickson and Paul Murray, reinforced the idea that East End House is more than just a community center; it is a lifeline for many residents. They called for the committee to prioritize the redevelopment project to ensure the center can continue to thrive and meet the needs of the community.

The committee faced a decision on whether to extend the meeting to accommodate additional public comments, reflecting the high level of community engagement and concern regarding the future of East End House. Ultimately, the committee voted to extend the meeting until 2:30 PM to allow all voices to be heard.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the deep-rooted connection between East End House and the East Cambridge community. Residents expressed a collective desire to see the organization grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of families and individuals, emphasizing that support for East End House is an investment in the future of the community. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how the redevelopment project will unfold and how it will benefit the residents of East Cambridge.