The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) purchased a new building on February 10, 2021, to house the organization’s Lowell Office.

The two-story brick building – located in the heart of the Portuguese-speaking community on 490 Central Street – will soon undergo renovation work before officially opening to the community in July of this year.

With this new space, MAPS hopes to improve access and increase its visibility, creating a new vibrant community hub. The decision will also allow the organization to become more self-sufficient by saving on rental costs and generating rental income from the second floor unit, which the organization hopes to lease.

MAPS expanded its services to Lowell in 1997 at the request of the city’s growing Portuguese-speaking community. The organization provides free citizenship assistance, immigrant integration, HIV/STI, domestic violence and sexual assault and family support services, and more to thousands of community members each year at its current Lowell office on 11 Mill Street.

“As I signed the purchase documents, I imagined how proud our founding members must have been in 1976 when they purchased our building in Cambridge,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “I am overjoyed to be able to continue the legacy of our visionary former Board members Duke Carvalho, Manny Borges, and many others of a strong and vibrant community organization.”

“This is a historic moment for MAPS and the Portuguese-speaking community in Lowell and a big step towards the self-sufficiency of the organization,” said Susan Pacheco, MAPS Board President. “This investment is a testament to MAPS’ healthy financial state, its outstanding leadership over the years, and the incredible support and generosity of the countless community members who have contributed to MAPS’ success over the last 51 years.”