Organization History

1967 – 1968

  • Acted as Community Health Committee of Parker Hill - Fenway Area Planning Action Committee (APAC), the local office of the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)

1968 – 1970

  • Negotiated with US Department of Health and Human Services and Harvard Community Health Plan (HCHP) for neighborhood based coverage by Harvard Community Health Plan.
  • Agreement included first Medicaid/Medicare HCHP eligibility, sliding scale premiums for other Mission Hill residents, a local primary care outreach/advocacy office and neighborhood people in meaningful staff positions.
  • Instrumental in supporting the establishment of the Fenway Community Health Center.
  • Incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in July 1970.

1970 – 1975

  • Conducted neighborhood-based, door to door, lead paint testing program with neighborhood staff.
  • First neighborhood based free flu shots for elderly – coordinated with Boston Department of Health and Hospitals.
  • “SWISH” dental care program for Mission Hill children: school based fluoride rinse and dental care program with Mission Hill ‘Swish Moms’ working as, and with, Harvard Dental School staff.
  • Pre-school program at Hennigan school with special needs students integrated into mainstream classes.

1975 – 1978

  • Established HERE House, which is subsidized elder housing, in Mission Hill.
  • Developed Mission Hill After School Program.
  • In 1977, with Roxbury Tenants of Harvard and Mission Hill Planning Commision, negotiated the “Land Use Agreement” with Brigham and Women's Hospital, which set parameters for future institutional expansion and protections for community preservation and growth.

1979 – 1987

  • In 1979 negotiated an agreement with RH Donnelley Advertising for the title to 1534 Tremont Street, which ensured MHHM's future.
  • Undertook major renovations of 1534 Tremont Street to establish a primary care doctor's office, which was staffed by Vince Perelli, MD.

1988 – 1994

  • Partnered with Urban Medical Group in Jamaica Plain to provide expanded primary care and elder outreach services from MHHM building at 1534 Tremont Street.

1995 – 2002

  • Supported Women Infants and Children Program (WIC), maternal health and early intervention program at 1534 Tremont Street.
  • Negotiated with area and private providers for accessible emergency and routine dental services for seniors.
  • Began process to obtain clear title and plan for renovation of the MHHM building at 1534 Tremont Street.

2003 – 2006

  • Awarded grant from New England Women in Real Estate (NEWIRE) for one year of pro bono evaluation, design, architectural and legal planning services for 1534 Tremont Street.
  • Completed first phase of renovations and established three tenancies of community based non-profit groups.
  • Conducted community program activities and events in conjunction with institutional partners. Focused on Asthma, Substance Abuse, and Health Care Services.


2007 – 2015

  • Completed renovation of building at 1534 Tremont Street.
  • Negotiated a continuation of the 1977 Agreement with Brigham and Women's Hospital Through 2030
  • Through a Catalyst Grant from the Harvard School of Public Health, produced a series of community health articles and workshops.
  • Undertook a follow-up study of air quality in the area of Fenwood Rd. to chart the impact of the demolition of Mass Mental.
  • Hired the first staff person for MHHM!
  • Worked with residents of Mission Main to improve air quality within residents' apartments.
  • In 2011, co-sponsored the Mission Hill Farmers Market with Mission Hill Main Streets (MHMS).​
  • ​Co-sponsored the first Mission Hill Healthy Food Festival in the summer of 2011, with Sociedad Latina, MHMS, and the Harvard School of Public Health Prevention Research Center.

2016 – Present

  • Sponsored Senior Exercise Program at 3 locations, 2016-2017
  • ​Co-sponsored the Annual Mission Hill Senior Prom for older residents of Mission Hill
  • Conducted a series of Air Quality Monitoring studies of locations used by sensitive receptors on Mission Hill
  • Served lunch and snacks to Boston children and teens at the Farmers Markets during the Summer
  • Designated developer by the City of Boston of the 6-8 Gore Street Community Garden
  • Established the Gloria Murray Award to recognize community leaders 
  • Worked with Noise in the City and BU School of Public Health to implement a Robert Wood Johnson Grant to identify, measure and discuss sources of noise on Mission Hill
  • Provided a temporary home to some programs of the Parker Hill Branch Library during its building’s renovations (2017-2018)

The Gloria Murray Award

Award Recipients:

2016 - Dianne Williams
2018 - Cindy Diggs and Alice Diggs