Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) is proud to be part of a coalition selected through a competitive RFP process to be one of four partnership groups to participate in the first round of the City of Boston’s Live Long and Well Catalyst Program. CSNDC is partnering with The Community Builders (TCB), Talbot Norfolk Triangle Neighbors United (TNTNU), the United Neighbors Association (UNA), and the Codman Square Health Center (CSHC). These organizations will work together to close the life expectancy gap and expand opportunities to promote economic mobility and community health solutions in Dorchester.
The grant is provided by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation as part of the City and Boston Public Health Commission’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda, which aims to close the life expectancy gap in Boston and build wealth and economic security in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, the neighborhoods with the greatest health disparities in Boston. The Foundation committed $10 million in July 2024, representing the first multi-sector partnership to support this agenda. This $5 million is the first of two rounds of funding from Atrius Health Equity Foundation; the second is expected to be released in 2028.
Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Atrius Health Equity Foundation, and the Boston Community Health Collaborative celebrated the grants at an event on July 28, 2025, in Codman Square (pictured right). An article covering the event published in the July 29th issue of the Boston Globe can be viewed HERE.
The three lead agencies, TCB, TNTNU and CSNDC, will help eligible Dorchester residents with economic mobility services, including housing and credit-building support, financial coaching, workforce development, and resources for childcare, transportation, and food access. The coalition will also expand community services. In addition, neighborhood associations will advocate for housing policy and funding improvements and strengthen cross-sector partnerships.
Life expectancy disparities are 20-23 years lower in the neighborhoods of Roxbury and Dorchester compared to Back Bay. This means residents in those areas on average live 20-23 years less than residents of Back Bay, as identified in data collected and reported by the Boston Public Health Commission.
Economic security is a key driver to improving health, and Boston residents also identified it as a critical need in the 2025 Boston Community Health Needs Assessment, newly published by the Boston Community Health Collaborative (BCHC). BCHC is facilitated by the Boston Public Health Commission and convenes City departments, public health, healthcare, community-based organizations, and Boston residents to identify key health trends and priority issues that impact health and well-being. By addressing the clinical and social determinants of health, the coalition expects to improve life expectancy in Dorchester.
“CSNDC is committed to building a cohesive and resilient community where every resident can thrive,” said Gail Latimore, Executive Director of Codman Square NDC. “We are honored to be selected as part of the Live Long and Well Catalyst program and look forward to working with our partners at The Community Builders, Talbot Norfolk Triangle Neighborhood Association/United Neighbors Association and the Codman Square Health Center to advance economic mobility, build lasting community power, and improve the cardiometabolic health of our neighbors in Codman Square. We are sincerely grateful for the leadership and investment from Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, and the Boston Community Health Collaborative.”
