Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center has received a $1.5 million commitment from Bancel Philanthropies that moves the organization closer to the construction of a new facility in Dorchester.

Bancel Philanthropies is the family foundation of Brenda and Stéphane Bancel, the CEO of Moderna. 

“I was very moved by the dedication of the Harvard Street staff, how deeply they care about their patients and the people in their community,” said Brenda Bancel. “They’re working hard every day to uplift those who are struggling and offer healthcare with love and compassion. Stéphane and I are delighted to support Harvard Street’s new facility – a critically-needed health resource for Boston’s underserved communities.”

Said Harvard Street president and CEO Charley Murphy: “We are deeply grateful to Brenda and Stéphane Bancel for this incredibly generous gift. It demonstrates tremendous confidence in the work we do every day to meet the needs of our community,” said Murphy. “Bancel Philanthropies shares Harvard Street’s belief that healthcare is a human right. Every person deserves access to high-quality, culturally competent healthcare services and programs, regardless of their ability to pay.” 

Harvard Street has called 632 Blue Hill Ave. home for over half a century and welcomes around 10,000 patients annually. With a new 42,000-square-foot 3-story building more people than ever will benefit from the center’s services, said Murphy.

“The neighborhood deserves it. Our patients and our staff deserve a nicer building,” he said. “The building we have, we love it, we adapt, overcome, and do the best that we can but it’s not the most efficient building but it’s ours and we make it work. Now the time has come where the building has reached the end of its life service and it’s time to turn the page.”

The new facility will rise from now-vacant parcels at 8 Old Road and 14 and 16 Ellington St., about a block from the current center’s Blue Hill Avenue location, which isn’t going anywhere. It will allow for even more comprehensive patient-centered care, thanks to the increase in space and employees.