ABCDC is excited to welcome Evelyn Redshaw to our Board of Directors! We recently talked to Evelyn to get her feedback on what it means to be a Board member at the ABCDC.

How long have you lived in the neighborhood?

 I’ve lived in Allston for 2 years now.

Where do you work?

I work for a Community Development Corporation (CDC) called MetroWest Collaborative Development. Our work surrounds the promotion of affordable housing in the region. As the Affordable Housing Programs Manager, I am in charge of the various programs we offer our clients to help them learn about, search for and apply to affordable housing.

Why did you decide to join the ABCDC Board of Directors?

I joined the ABCDC Board of Directors because I want to help promote and maintain the vitality of Allston Brighton and believe that CDCs are crucial to neighborhood success.  I am especially focused on fighting for more affordable housing, increasing public transit options and implementing more community programs. I am eager to work with the Board of Directors and ABCDC staff to support all the great work they do around these issues. Together we can ensure that our neighborhoods continue to be welcoming, safe and affordable for all.

What are you most excited about for your new position?

So much! As a younger person who is comparatively new to community work I am eager to learn from my fellow board members who have lived in Allston-Brighton for many years and have a nuanced and holistic understanding of the people who live here, how to connect with them, and what we need to fight for next.

What’s your favorite thing about the neighborhood?

My favorite areas in Allston Brighton are the few and far between green spaces (especially on sunny days). My friends and I will often ooh and awe at how nice it is to see everyone playing outside with their families and pets, a luxury that we so rarely get in a densely urban neighborhood. The parks become buzzing community spaces and it’s great to see everyone working together to share the space so that we can all get something out of it.