East Somerville Main Street Inc.

Overview

East Somerville Main Street Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Somerville, Massachusetts, established with the goal of revitalizing and enhancing the commercial district of East Somerville. It operates under the mission of fostering a vibrant, diverse, and economically sustainable community by supporting local businesses, celebrating cultural heritage, and improving public spaces.

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission is centered around three key objectives:

• Assistance to Local Businesses: East Somerville Main Streets provides direct support to local businesses, particularly focusing on micro-enterprises, which are defined as businesses with five or fewer employees. This includes technical assistance projects to help these businesses thrive within the community.

• Cultural Heritage and Community Programming: The organization emphasizes the celebration of East Somerville's rich cultural diversity, organizing community events and programs that highlight the contributions and heritage of its immigrant population, which constitutes over 35% of the neighborhood's residents.

• Public Space Improvement: By enhancing public spaces, East Somerville Main Streets aims to create a unique neighborhood identity, making the area more attractive and vibrant for both residents and visitors.

Community Context

East Somerville is recognized as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, with a significant portion of its commercial establishments being immigrant-owned. The neighborhood faces economic challenges, evidenced by a high vacancy rate in retail spaces, which exceeds 20%. This situation highlights the organization's role in addressing local economic needs through strategic initiatives aimed at community revitalization.

The East Somerville area has been designated as a “Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area” (NRSA) by federal authorities, indicating that a large segment of its population qualifies as low or moderate income. This designation underscores the importance of East Somerville Main Streets in facilitating community investment and development.

Financial Information

East Somerville Main Street Inc. has been recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization since September 2009. According to financial reports, the organization had a revenue of $177,672 and expenses of $173,442 for a recent fiscal year, resulting in a net income of $4,230. The total net assets of the organization were reported at $180,714, reflecting its financial stability and capacity to support its initiatives.

Impact during COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, East Somerville Main Streets adapted its programs to better meet the needs of local businesses and residents. While traditional events were scaled back, new initiatives emerged, such as the Safe Pick-up Market and community support programs, ensuring continued assistance for the local economy during challenging times.

Conclusion

East Somerville Main Street Inc. plays a critical role in the development and sustainability of East Somerville's commercial landscape. Through its commitment to local business support, cultural celebration, and public space enhancement, the organization contributes significantly to the community's identity and economic vitality.