Camp Harbor View grows beyond summer camp into a year-round social equity organization
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Campers play soccer with a view of the city. Photo: Mike Deehan/Axios
Camp Harbor View entered a new chapter in 2026, moving beyond its roots as a summer program to become what leaders are calling a full "social equity organization" serving Boston families year-round.
Why it matters: The Dorchester-based nonprofit now pairs its signature Long Island summer camp with wraparound services aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.
State of play: CHV's guaranteed income initiative, operated with UpTogether, traces back to a 2015 Boston Fed report showing Black families in Boston held a median net worth of $8, compared to $250,000 for white families.
- A 2021 pilot found guaranteed income participants saw a 23% drop in psychological distress, versus an 8% increase for a control group.
What they're saying: Executive vice president Lisa Fortenberry said the program's impact often shows up in everyday terms, not just savings or homeownership.
- Parents tell staff the money improves multiple parts of families' lives.
- Fortenberry said parents report that, "I could get my teeth filled while my kid got their dental brackets fixed on their braces," or, "I didn't lose my car and now I get to keep my job," because of the additional funds.
The big picture: In May, CHV opened its new headquarters, the Connors Leadership Academy, at 135 Morrissey Blvd. in Dorchester's Southline complex.
- It's funded by a $7.5 million Yawkey Foundation grant.
- The move relocates operations from a six-year home in the South End to the neighborhood where most CHV families live.
- Fortenberry called the relocation something that feels "like we're coming home to where we belong."
State of play: The camp's five program areas — sports, leadership challenges, arts, aquatics and STEM — are over two-thirds staffed by counselors who came up through CHV programs.
By the numbers: Over 1,000 middle schoolers attend the Long Island summer camp across two three-week sessions
- The camp has a $3.2 million total budget. That's roughly $3,300 per camper.
- Around $500,000 is spent annually on ferry transportation alone, according to the camp.
- $650/month, unrestricted, is given to nearly 40 families in CHV's guaranteed income program.
Catch up quick: The camp, about 5 miles from downtown Boston on Long Island, was founded in 2007 by Jack Connors Jr. and Mayor Tom Menino.
What's next: With its new Dorchester home and expanded income program, CHV hopes to become a national model for combining youth development with direct family support.