Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Paul English, Delphia Bizzell to be recognized for efforts to end Massachusetts homelessness

BOSTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance will host its annual Home for Good event on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at WBUR’s CitySpace. This program brings together civic leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and community partners to celebrate innovative solutions to homelessness and honor individuals whose leadership has advanced housing across the Commonwealth. Home for Good is MHSA’s signature fundraising event, generating unrestricted support that enables the organization to continue its work through advocacy, innovation, and housing solutions.

“For more than three decades, MHSA has worked alongside partners across Massachusetts to reimagine how we address homelessness,” said MHSA CEO Joyce Tavon. “This year’s honorees exemplify the leadership, compassion, and commitment needed to create lasting housing solutions and build stronger communities.”

The 2026 honorees are:

State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues: Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Servant Award

The Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Servant Award honors public officials who demonstrate courageous leadership in advancing efforts to end homelessness. The award is named for the late Reverend Canon Brian S. Kelley, a pioneering advocate whose work helped lay the foundation for what became MHSA.

State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues represents the First Bristol and Plymouth District and currently serves as Chair of the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Throughout his career in both the Senate and House of Representatives, he has championed policies supporting housing, families, and vulnerable residents across the Commonwealth. He will be recognized for his longstanding public service and commitment to initiatives that address homelessness and housing insecurity.

Paul English: Bob Ray Partnership Award

The Bob Ray Partnership Award recognizes individuals and businesses whose steadfast commitment and collaborative spirit have strengthened efforts to end homelessness. The award honors the legacy of the late Bob Ray, whose philanthropic leadership helped shape programs throughout Massachusetts.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Paul English is best known as co-founder of Kayak. Beyond his success in technology, English has founded several nonprofit organizations, including Winter Walk, and has dedicated significant time and resources to addressing homelessness, mental health, education, and civic engagement.

Delphia Bizzell: Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award

The Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award honors leaders dedicated to advancing housing as a solution to homelessness. The award commemorates former State Representative Byron Rushing’s decades-long advocacy for innovative housing policy and services.

Delphia Bizzell is a respected advocate with lived experience of homelessness. A member of MHSA’s Board of Directors and the Winter Walk Board of Directors, Bizzell has contributed to local and statewide homelessness initiatives and has represented Massachusetts on national projects focused on housing solutions and systems change.