Meet Miracle Messages, a 2017 alum and $50K winner that rebuilds social support systems for the homeless.

With a goal to reunite more than 1,000,000 individuals by 2021, the organization helps those experiencing homelessness record and deliver short video messages to their loved ones via social media. To date, Miracle Messages has reunited 42 individuals, 14 of whom are now in stable housing.

We had a chance to catch up with Kevin Adler, Founder & CEO, about his experience going through the MC accelerator:

Take us back to MassChallenge Awards… what was going through your mind when you heard your startup name called to the stage?
I was thrilled, and felt very grateful.

As a winner, how do you plan to use the cash prize to further accelerate growth?
The cash prize is huge. It will help fund our Director of Technology until the end of April, along with the rest of our team. We will also use the money to further expand our programs in Boston.

What would you say has been the key driver of your success throughout the program?
Incredible support from a handful of MC mentors (Kathleen Healy, Stuart Paap, Mary-Helen Nsangou, Lynn Margherio, Robert Stringer, Chris Lee, Mark Newberg, Evan Ryan, Steve Jungmann, and Tom Hughes), as well as invaluable guidance from John, Kiki, Artur, and many other MC staff members. Bouncing around ideas with the other MC finalists was helpful, too

What has been the hardest lesson to learn?
You can’t do everything, at least not by yourself or right away.

What advice do you have for startups thinking about applying to MC?
I applied 3 times before I was accepted. Don’t lost the faith. Whether you get into MC or not, do stuff that matters, and keep your dream alive.