Summer 2006 
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
June 1, 2006
- Supportive Housing: Combating Homelessness in Connecticut
by David Fink, Partnership for Strong Communities
Cutting-edge programs address the growing recognition that homeless individuals need more than shelter to move back into the mainstream. Combining support services with housing helps individuals and families-and saves money in the long run. - Immigrant Homebuyers and Economic Revitalization
by Marcia Hohn, Immigrant Learning Center
A new study in two Massachusetts cities suggests that purchases of homes by immigrants are on the upswing and may be helping to improve inner-city economies. - Introduction to Islamic Finance
by Umar F. Moghul, Esq., Murtha Cullina LLP
An increasing number of individuals and banks have become curious about Islamic finance and how it is conducted in America.The author provides helpful background and tells where services can be found in New England. - New Hampshire's Working Women
by Ross Gittell, University of New Hampshire, and Marjorie Smith, New Hampshire Women's Policy Institute
A recent study dissects the reasons behind the lower wages of women in New Hampshire and suggests how policies that help women could also boost the state's economy. - Connecticut through Katrina-Colored Glasses
by Douglas Hall, Ph.D, Connecticut Voices for Children
The wealthiest state in America has some of the country's severest poverty. A new data analysis describes where Connecticut stands, what is being done, and what should be done. - Mapping New England: Number of Businesses Going Up (1998 to 2003)
by Ricardo Borgos, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
About 85 percent of all New England counties saw an increase in the number of business establishments from 1998 to 2003. Most of the counties with loss were located in Vermont and Connecticut. - Changing Minds
First Person with Gerald Chertavian,Year Up Executive Director
In 2000, a tech entrepreneur who dreamed of helping low-income young adults build solid career paths founded a unique school. Since then he has been changing minds about what people need to succeed. - Barriers to Saving: The Dilemma for Low-Income Families
by Zo? Neuberger and Robert Greenstein, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Peter Orszag, Brookings Institution
When the poor succeed in building up a few assets, they often find themselves disqualified from badly needed government programs. Confusing rules about IRAs and 401(k)s plus conflicting state regulations make retirement saving particularly challenging. - Inner Cities Offer Competitive Advantages
by Deirdre Coyle, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
More businesses are locating in inner cities, where lower rents and proximity to suppliers, customers, and willing workers are boosting the bottom line. Outside investors who have not caught on will find this article enlightening.
Articles may be reprinted if Communities , Banking and the author are credited and the following disclaimer is used: "The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the Federal Reserve System. Information about organizations and upcoming events is strictly informational and not an endorsement."