Home Ownership Meets Equity and Early Education, or HOME³
HOME³ braids together Worcester’s assets in early education and care (EEC), specifically in family childcare (FCC), with the city’s strategic initiatives to address affordable housing and small business economic development. HOME³ centers equity and meeting the needs of Worcester families with young children living in historically underserved neighborhoods. HOME³ reinvigorates Worcester’s iconic triple-decker homes, restoring their original purpose as places of care, connection and stability. The first floor becomes the owner-occupied home and childcare business, while the upper-level rental units provide supplemental income. The HOME³ model increases access to high-quality, culturally responsive childcare while creating a sustainable pathway to homeownership for FCC providers.
The learning and partnership gained through HOME³ will strengthen the community, deepening equity and opportunity in Worcester. HOME³ offers a scalable model for Gateway Cities across the state to adapt and advance sustainable solutions for early education, housing and economic growth.
