Funds will support the organization as it works to assist families and individuals experiencing financial insecurity in Somerville and Cambridge

Somerville, MA, July 13, 2021 – Revolutionary Clinics, one of the state’s leading providers of medical marijuana, today announced a $25,000 donation to the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), a federally designated anti-poverty agency that helps local families and individuals achieve financial security while working to eliminate the root causes of economic injustice. The non-restricted funds will be used to support the scope of CAAS’ organizing work including professional training and illegal eviction intervention in Somerville, as well as the Head Start program, a comprehensive developmental preschool program that provides a variety of wrap-around services to approximately 275 low-income children and their families each year in cities like Cambridge and Somerville.

“We’re grateful to Rev for supporting our mission as we strive to lift up community members in need and eradicate economic injustice in Somerville and Cambridge,” said David Gibbs, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Somerville. “The donation from Rev will enable us to continue expanding and promoting opportunities for both low-income residents and those in the community who have been historically oppressed.”

Rev’s donation will be allocated in five monthly installments, the first of which was awarded in May. The $25,000 will primarily support CAAS’ Community Organizing & Advocacy program, which empowers marginalized residents to further the housing justice movement and improve conditions for working class and lower income individuals. Through the program, CAAS organizers help residents develop leadership skills and facilitate the creation of tenant unions, community coalitions, and support civic engagement on issues related to city, state, and federal level policy. The funds will also support CAAS’ Head Start program, which supports the learning and development of children ages three to five in classrooms located throughout Somerville and Cambridge.

In addition to the programs, the funds will be utilized in efforts to stop evictions. This spring, CAAS helped prevent three evictions in Somerville that were illegal under the Massachusetts Eviction Moratorium, which prohibited evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency, and connected families to resources for housing support.

“Financial insecurity impacts many residents in Somerville, and we are grateful for CAAS’ work in the community to support some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Keith Cooper, CEO of Revolutionary Clinics­­. “We’re honored to support CAAS’ mission which has become even more critical as we continue to wade through the pandemic’s impact in our communities.”

Since 1981, CAAS has supported clients through direct assistance and referrals to vital services including housing, physical and mental health, employment, nutrition, immigration, education, and transportation. The organization offers programs like Head Start (a free preschool program), Housing Advocacy Program (HAP), Community Organizing & Advocacy, and the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. While primarily serving low-income residents of Somerville, the Head Start program also expands reach into the Cambridge community, and VITA is open to any taxpayer regardless of residence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAAS established the Somerville Cares Fund, in partnership with the City of Somerville and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families during the public health crisis. The fund has distributed over $1 million to more than 2,000 households for food, housing, childcare, and other essentials.

Those interested in learning more about CAAS or in need of assistance can contact the agency at 617-623-7370 or info@caasomerville.org. CAAS’ website is http://www.caasomerville.org.

Rev has three dispensary locations, two in Cambridge and one in Somerville, and operates a wholesale arm for adult use cannabis. Revolutionary Farms, the moniker of their cultivation facility, is one of the largest and most advanced cultivation operations in the state.