On a daily
basis,
Anne Fantasia sees the importance of home ownership in
people’s lives.
This year, Anne partnered again with HomeStart to drive donations to the Community Housing
Assistance Fund—a restricted emergency assistance fund
founded to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness
clear any financial hurdles that prevent them from securing a place
to live. As a result, Anne and the associates in our Cambridge
offices helped CHAF reach its goal of $150,000 by
September 30, 2023.
Read as Anne shares what inspired her work with CHAF
and her recommendations to those who want to become more involved
in their communities.
Tell us about your involvement with HomeStart
and the Community Housing Assistance Fund (CHAF). What initially
inspired you to work with this organization? How long have you been
involved?
I’ve been involved with CHAF for three years.
CHAF’s mission is to end homelessness in Greater Boston
by assisting individuals in obtaining housing and settling into the
community, and by developing strategies to prevent homelessness
before it starts. Initially, I was asked to make a monetary
donation to their annual fundraiser. As I learned more about their
organization, I wanted to become more involved and donate my time
to raise funds to further their mission.
Can you share any favorite memories from your
work with CHAF? What are you most proud
of?
I love being a part of a larger community that comes
together annually to raise funds for the continued support of
CHAF. Over the past two years, through the generosity of
others, we have raised more than $250,000.
Where does your drive for charitable work come
from?
Being raised in a family of nine, I was taught by
my parents that everyone has something to give, and it’s
incumbent on all of us to give what we can, whether it’s
our time, talent, or financial resources.
As a busy real estate professional, how do you
stay engaged in philanthropy? Why is giving back a
priority?
When you’re passionate about something, the
question isn’t how do I stay engaged—it’s how
could I not. As a real estate professional, I’m
reminded each day of how important it is to have a safe place to
call home. I believe everyone deserves that. Working with the
dedicated team at CHAF helps make it possible.
Do you have any recommendations for those
considering taking a deeper dive into
philanthropy?
For those taking a deeper dive into philanthropy, I
would encourage them to find a cause that speaks to them
and one they are passionate about. There’s no time
like the present to jump in and make whatever contribution you
can, whether that is donating your time or financial support.
Great things can be accomplished when we all do our part.
Anne Fantasia is a real estate professional with
Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty at 1008
Massachusetts
Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts | 617.201.5883
| Anne.Fantasia@GibsonSIR.com
To learn more about the Community Housing Assistance Fund,
visit homestart.org/chaf.