Hearth’s Dr. LaTanya Wright Appointed to MHSA Board, Bringing a Powerful Voice for Older Adults

As the number of older adults experiencing homelessness continues to rise across Massachusetts, it is more important than ever that their voices are represented in statewide policy discussions. Hearth is proud to share that Dr. LaTanya Wright, our Vice President of Outreach and Partnerships, has been appointed to the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) Member Advisory Board. Her appointment ensures that the unique challenges facing older adults will be front and center in conversations about ending homelessness.

A Career Dedicated to Service

Dr. Wright’s journey is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to human services, a passion she says is “embedded in me first and foremost.” Her career in Massachusetts has included vital roles at organizations like the Pine Street Inn and Vinfen Corporation, where she supported individuals with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring disorders. She joined Hearth in 2013 as the Director of Outreach. For over a decade, she led our work in the community, helping to prevent homelessness and connect older adults with essential services. In 2024, she was promoted to Vice President of Outreach and Partnerships, a role that expands on her extensive experience by focusing on building and fostering the collaborative relationships necessary to advance Hearth’s mission.

A Vital Partnership for a Shared Mission

The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) is a key partner in the fight to end homelessness. The Member Advisory Board plays a crucial role in this effort by focusing on advocacy, shaping policy, and brainstorming solutions to the systemic issues individuals face.

Dr. Wright explains that the collaboration between Hearth and MHSA is a natural fit: “We work together to eliminate homelessness,” she states, highlighting that the work goes beyond just housing. “It’s also about providing services, wrap-around services… [and] finding the resources to help prevent this.”

This appointment strengthens an already robust partnership and amplifies Hearth’s leadership. By bringing the perspective of older adults, who often face barriers such as fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and age-related disabilities, Dr. Wright ensures that solutions are inclusive of one of the fastest-growing populations experiencing homelessness.

A Voice at the Table

In her new capacity on the advisory board, Dr. Wright will bring years of frontline experience directly to policymakers and fellow advocates. Without representation, the specific barriers faced by older adults could easily be overlooked in favor of solutions designed for younger populations.

Dr. Wright’s new role on the advisory board allows her to network more deeply and bring back knowledge and resources that will benefit Hearth and its clients. It ensures that the unique challenges facing older adults are represented in broader conversations about homelessness.

The news of her appointment was met with excitement and congratulations from the entire Hearth team, from her direct reports in the Outreach department to the organization’s Board of Directors. Dr. Wright expressed deep gratitude for the encouragement, noting it was a “special touch” that affirmed she has the full support of the organization behind her. For her team, seeing her in this new role illustrates the critical advocacy work that complements their day-to-day efforts in the community.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Wright’s appointment is not just an individual achievement; it reflects Hearth’s growing role as a leader in the movement to end older adult homelessness. Her voice and advocacy on the MHSA Member Advisory Board will help create systemic change, ensuring every older adult has a safe, stable place to call home.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that it is made possible by the ongoing support of our community. Your partnership empowers leaders like Dr. Wright to bring the needs of older adults into statewide conversations and to drive real, lasting change.