DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Dottie Fulginiti, MassDevelopment
We sat down with Dottie Fulginiti, Senior Vice President of Community Assets & Deputy Director of Community Investments at MassDevelopment, to learn more about their partnership with Housing Assistance. Below is a summary of our conversation.
Tell us about MassDevelopment’s mission and priorities, and how that intersects with the work that Housing Assistance is doing.
MassDevelopment is the state’s development finance agency and land bank. We help communities across Massachusetts by providing financing, grants, and real estate expertise that support economic opportunity and community development. Our work includes everything from helping businesses grow and redeveloping vacant properties to supporting housing, cultural facilities, and other community assets.
Housing is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest challenges, especially in seasonal communities like Cape Cod. Housing Assistance has been a trusted partner in addressing those challenges for many years. We are proud to support organizations that work collaboratively to create housing opportunities that help people remain in the communities where they live and work.
MassDevelopment has provided funding for both the Family Empowerment Center and the individual shelter. What makes these projects strong candidates for investment?
MassDevelopment’s products provide cost-effective financing that not only supports housing development and preservation but also supports the delivery of services and educational programs to fulfill an organization’s mission.
Every project MassDevelopment supports is evaluated against established program criteria and must demonstrate a clear public benefit. We look at factors such as community need, project readiness, financial feasibility, and whether public funding will help move the project from concept to reality.
For the Family Empowerment Center, MassDevelopment provided an Underutilized Properties Program grant to support renovations, along with tax-exempt bond financing that helped Housing Assistance refinance the property’s acquisition. At 460 West Main Street, an Underutilized Properties Program grant helped fund improvements needed to convert an existing commercial building into supportive shelter housing.
While these projects serve different populations, both involved putting existing buildings back into productive use and addressing significant housing needs within the region. They also represented partnerships among nonprofit organizations, lenders, and public agencies working toward a common goal.
Cape Cod faces unique housing challenges due to seasonal demand, limited supply, and rising costs. How can strategic investments like these help communities preserve year-round housing stability and support local workers and families?
Strategic public investments help close financing gaps that often prevent worthwhile projects from moving forward. They also encourage the reuse of existing buildings, helping communities make the most of their existing assets.
A healthy community depends on having housing options for people at different stages of life and income levels. That includes young families, older adults, healthcare workers, teachers, hospitality employees, first responders, and many others who contribute to the Cape’s economy and quality of life throughout the year.
If you could leave our community with one message about the importance of investing in housing and supportive services, what would it be?
Strong communities work together to address the needs of the people who live there while respecting the values and character that make each community unique. Thoughtful planning, collaboration, and open dialogue are essential to finding solutions that reflect local priorities and create lasting public benefit. At MassDevelopment, our goal is to partner with communities and organizations to make thoughtful investments that strengthen neighborhoods today and for future generations.
