Somerville Homeless Coalition

While food, clothing and shelter will always constitute the immediate needs of the homeless population, over the past two decades the barriers and obstacles preventing homeless families and individuals from moving into housing have become more daunting.

Nevertheless, SHC has evolved by successfully cultivating and implementing a variety of innovative programs designed to respond to the complex circumstances affecting our clientele-in particular, developing affordable supportive housing programs. SHC's supportive services staff, through a very personalized approach, strives to nurture our homeless clients transitioning off the streets and out of emergency shelters by providing them with housing opportunities crucial for their safety and stabilization. Over the past several years, we have been successful in providing permanent supportive housing for over 90 formerly homeless people-including both families and individuals.

LIST OF HOUSING SERVICES

Prevention & Stabilization Services (PASS)

Operating since 2000 as part of a collaboration with the City of Somerville, PASS provides rental assistance to homeless people and those at-risk of becoming homeless. Most of the services consist of providing qualified applicants with a time-limited housing subsidy to rent an apartment-typically these resources are used for apartment start-up costs or for transitional support as people recover from unforseen financial difficulties. We also provide funds for security deposits and further support clients with follow-up case management and stabilization services. PASS typically serves between 7-10 households at any given time.

Sewell St. Single-Room Occupancy (SRO)

This is a program in which SHC collaborates with the Somerville Housing Authority, Somerville Community Corporation and Winn Management. SHC provides supportive services for these formerly homeless men and women. There are a total of 14 individuals with whom SHC works in this congregate housing setting-individual bedrooms with some shared facilities and common areas. Many of the current occupants have transitioned out of our shelter and into this housing program.

Shelter-Plus-Care (S&C)

In operation since 2001, this is a collaboration with the Somerville Housing Authority which makes it possible for homeless people with disabilities to move from emergency shelters and the streets to their own apartments while continuing to receive support and wrap-around services from SHC. This program offers housing to approximately eight household units.

Sobriety and Stability (S&S)

This collaboration with the Department of Public Health and HUD, is a model program that provides permanent housing and supportive services to homeless young adults (18 to 24) who are recovering from addiction and who have a strong desire and commitment to continue their sobriety. The program currently leases-up five apartments along with a one-bedroom unit. S&S serves a total of eleven male and female young adults. SHC is currently engaged in negotiations with regards to the possibility of doubling the capacity of this successful housing model.

Better Homes I & II

This is our most recently implemented permanent housing programs that currently consists of 27 leased apartments. Similar to the Shelter-Plus-Care model, SHC provides supportive stabilization services to newly housed families and individuals with a goal of having participants live independently and become - as much as possible - self-sufficient members of our community. SHC is hoping to expand this innovative program; however, this largely depends on SHC's ability to secure private funding to ensure the programs' long-term sustainability.

HOME-FOR-GOOD

This is a collaborative program with the Somerville Community Corporation and is designed to house homeless families within the community and offer them supportive services to help with the transition from homelessness to independent living situations.