Eleven years ago I moved onto Monadnock Street in Upham’s Corner as a young, white college student, completing her student teaching at the Jeremiah Burke High School in Grove Hall. As a woman with a disability, my reliance on public transit brought me to the city - a sharp contrast to the shiny, practically rural, college campus where most of my peers and professors looked and sounded just like me. The public transit, occasionally functional, has proved nothing to write home about; but my Monadnock Street neighbors, who seldom look or sound like me, and local church community, are what compelled me to remain in the city - to learn, serve, and work alongside them. Since my time on Monadnock Street I have remained committed to working for social justice, graduating law school last May, and continuing to find ways to empower and support neighbors throughout Dorchester. 

Pat Maguire met Bob Haas in church over 30 years ago, and he encouraged her move to Dorchester from Mission Hill in 2003. Living a short walk from the 29 Monadnock Community, she was drawn into the world he created there. Gatherings at 29 were a revelation. Amazing food and far-ranging conversations on civic engagement, politics and spirituality made an indelible impression on her. She is inspired to continue his legacy, and foster the curiosity, joy and acceptance that Bob radiated.

The house and land at 29 Monadnock for me is a gathering space, a place for friends or family to visit for a bit, an experimental kitchen, a library, a museum, a workspace, a quiet place, a garden, a grill-out venue, a music hall, a sacred spot to pray, an event space, a social front porch, and a home. When I moved in, I was trying to figure out what to do for a job, and more importantly what to do with my life. I met people in the house with great perspectives and opinions. Talking with Bob Haas and my roommates helped shape my understanding of myself and the problems our city and neighborhood faced, as well as what my gifts and skills are. Living at 29 for a couple years, I learned to listen warmly, speak patiently, and invite others often.

Scott lived at 29 in the mid-eighties along with housemates who were carpenters, health care workers, seminarians, and counselors in training. Life with Bob and our Monadnock Street neighbors became a remarkable, hands-on, interdisciplinary tutorial in community development, cross-cultural awareness, and compassionate activism. My sense of citizenship in the City of Boston and what it means to be a neighbor to all is significantly rooted in my experience at 29 Monadnock.

Bob suggested we have our wedding reception at 29 - friends and neighbors came together for music and dance - it was magical. Bob was a genuine encourager and energizer. He was the best PR man in 1982 when we started our small family plumbing business in Dorchester. Aside from knowing the plumbing and heating secrets of 29M, we also enjoyed many gatherings and events there – potlucks; Bridge nights (Bob was a exceptional Bridge player and tolerated our novice attempts at the game.); renovation and recovery from the fire; cook-outs and just popping into visit, share time and conversation. When I think of 29, I think of the always open door.