Barbara McInnis House: Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program provides “medical respite care”, short-term medical and recuperative services, for homeless people who are far too sick for life in shelters but not sick enough to occupy a costly acute care hospital bed. The Program’s 104-bed medical respite facility is located in Jean Yawkey Place on the campus of Boston Medical Center.

For patients and providers looking for more complete information on services provided at the Barbara McInnis House, please see their FAQ sheet. For providers looking to admit a patient, please see their admittance requirements before filling out an admission form.

Always open

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC)

The Boston Public Health Commission, the country’s oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services. See website for information on various services available.

The Help Desk hours are from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Boston Rescue Mission

Boston Rescue Mission offers a variety of programs and resources that prevent and end homelessness and support the recovery, health, faith, and independence of those who have a history of substance use disorder, incarceration, and homelessness.

Services:

• Preventing Homelessness: Outpatient Counseling, Sober Living Communities, Food Pantry, Job Readiness
• Paws for Serenity – Animal Assisted Therapy
• Ending Homelessness, One Person at a Time: Emergency Overnight Shelter, “Dry” Sober Deds and Support Services, Rapid Rehousing & Stabilization Program, Safe Haven Veterans Program 
• Veterans Programs
• Meal Programs: In House Meal Program, Saturday Morning Outreach

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge Over Troubled Waters offers a comprehensive range of services to youth ages 14 to 24 in a positive and safe environment.

Services:

• Street Outreach & Mobile Medical Van: Street Outreach is Bridge’s daily “foot patrol” of trained outreach workers who make regular consistent contact with homeless youth on the street throughout a range of neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge. The Mobile Medical Van (MMV) connects with the street outreach team each weeknight. The Van provides medical attention, survival kits, clothes, food and referrals.
• Runaway Program: Bridge is the local respondent for the national runaway hotline offering 24-hour access to a counselor and a safe overnight accommodation away from the streets for homeless youth ages 14-17 for up to 72 hours.
• Traditional Day Program (TDP): Visit the second floor of the Bridge building for a free breakfast or lunch. You can shower, use the lockers, do your laundry, attend a workshop, and see a case manager.
• Medical Care: Bridge offers weekly free medical services staffed by healthcare professionals at the 47 West Street Facility.
• Counseling & Support Services: Get help for substance abuse, family & peer relationships, survival needs and other crisis intervention services.
• Emergency Residence: Short-term transitional residence at the 47 West St. location for homeless youth ages 18 to 24. Youth commit to counseling, employment and continue their education. During the winter months, Bridge opens up the Warming Center, as an adjunct to the ER, each night to youth who need overnight shelter.
• Education & Career Development Program: Classes for youth to attain their HiSet. Flexible schedule, rolling admissions, guidance counseling for youth who wish to enter or continue college or vocational program.
• Transitional Living Program: Long-term transitional residential program. Residents are required to maintain employment, continue their education, and meet weekly with a counselor.
• Single Parent Home: Transitional living program for pregnant and parenting homeless young women and their children. Serves up to 10 families at any given time and may stay for up to 2 years.
• Housing: Bridge offers a variety of supportive services for youth seeking housing. Liberty House is the next step for young adults who have participated in their Transitional Living Program in Brighton. Bridge also currently participates in rapid re-housing programs for youth based on the “housing first” model.

Intake: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Mobile Medical Van Hours: Monday through Friday: 5:00pm to 6:30pm in the Boston Common, and 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Harvard Square

Youth aged 14 to 24.

Bristol Lodge Men’s Shelter

The Bristol Lodge Men’s Shelter, run by Middlesex Human Serices Agency, provides temporary, emergency shelter accommodations for 45 homeless adult men (18 or older).

It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in need of a bed, please call the office number to participate in the pre-screening process.

Upon completion of the intake process, clients are given access to individualized case management services, meant to address and provide referrals for a wide spectrum of topics, including housing, employment, mental health, substance abuse, financial insecurity, nutrition and more.

Open Daily from 4:00pm to 8:00am.

• 18+
• Dry facility: Participants must remain sober and free of intoxicating substances of any type
• 90-day maximum stay, plus a 30-day waiting period before readmission

Bristol Lodge Women’s Shelter

The Bristol Lodge Women’s Shelter, run by Middlesex Human Service Agency, provides temporary, emergency shelter accommodations for 12 homeless adult women. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in need of a bed, please call the office to participate in the pre-screening process.

Upon completion of the intake process, clients are given access to individualized case management services, meant to address and provide referrals for a wide spectrum of topics, including housing, employment, mental health, substance abuse, financial insecurity, nutrition and more.

Open Daily: 4:00pm to 8:00am

• 18+
• Dry facility: Participants must remain sober and free of intoxicating substances of any type
• 90-day maximum stay, plus a 30-day waiting period before readmission

Cambridge & Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery (CASPAR)

CASPAR, (Cambridge And Somerville Program for Addiction Recovery) is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1970 in response to the growing need for substance use disorder treatment.

Services:

• First Step Street Outreach: brings lifesaving supports to unsheltered homeless adults who are impacted by behavioral health challenges, substance use, and medical complications associated with life on the streets.
  • Call 617-592-6895 for more information.
• Emergency Services Center (ESC):24-hour shelter for adults, with no sobriety requirements for admission. The ESC uses a reserved bed system for 52 beds, and a lottery system for 8 emergency beds. The shelter is located at 240 Albany St., Cambridge.
  • Call 617-661-0600 to learn more
• Residential Recovery Programs: provides gender specific recovery treatment in Cambridge and Somerville for adults 18+ who have completed detox (or are otherwise not at risk for withdrawal) and seeking to stabilize in early recovery.
  • Call 617-623-5277 for CASPAR II
  • Call 617-661-6020 for Women’s Place
• Enhanced Residential Recovery Program: provides enhanced residential recovery treatment for adults 18+ who are experiencing co-occurring substance use disorder and behavioral health challenges.
  • Call 617-628-8188 for New Day
  • Call for 617-623-5277 CASPAR I

For residents of Cambridge or Somerville.

Casa Myrna

Casa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of domestic violence awareness efforts and of shelter and supportive services to survivors. Their comprehensive range of services, available in both Spanish and English, provide survivors with tools to recover from the trauma of abuse and begin to build sustainable self-sufficiency.

Services: SafeLink Hotline, Community Advocacy, Housing Advocacy, Emergency Transfers, Legal Advocacy, Economic Stability, Counseling, Children’s Services, Residential Programs

Supportive services are available by appointment during standard office hours.

Hotline is available 24/7

Catholic Charities Boston

The Catholic Charities of Boston operates a number of community service centers in eastern Massachusetts. Each center provides a wide variety of support services including basic needs, emergency assistance, education and training programs, transitional housing for families, childcare, and family counseling, and support.

Services: Basic Needs, Child Care, Children & Youth, Counseling, Community Interpreter Services, Education, Elder Services, Family Support, Nurse Assistant Training, Post Adoption & Search, Refugee Services, Shelter Services, Sunset Point Camp, Teen Center at St. Peter’s.

Catholic Charities Program Locations
Catholic Charities Labouré Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500
Also home to Refugee and Immigration Services & Community Interpreter Services

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8100

Catholic Charities North
117 North Common Street, Lynn
781-593-2312

Catholic Charities South
169 Court Street, Brockton
508-587-0815

Catholic Charities Yawkey Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600

Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities
70 Lawrence Street, Lowell
978-452-1421

Catholic Charities Child Care Locations
Yawkey Child Care Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600

Nazareth Child Care Center
19 St. Joseph Street, Jamaica Plain
617-522-4040

Lynn Child Care Center
37 North Federal Street, Lynn
781-598-5547 ext. 230

Malden Early Education and Learning Program
77 Salem Street, Malden
781-397-6055

Peabody Child Care Center
13 Pulaski Street, Peabody
978-532-6860

Labouré Child Care Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500

Home Based Family Child Care
6 Pleasant Street, Suite 220
Malden, MA
781-605-3330

Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring is an emergency shelter for individual adults experiencing homelessness. The main goal is to help people get stabilized and on a pathway toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Father Bill’s & MainSpring provides supportive services, access to on-site shower facilities and a medical clinic, and referrals to community agencies, including those in mental health, substance use disorder, housing, and employment. Staff can also provide three meals a day.

Services: Emergency Services (shelter, outreach, meals and basic needs), Prevention & Diversion, Rehousing & Supportive Services, Supportive Housing, Youth Services Program

24/7

Administrative Office: 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Emergency Shelters:

• Yawkey Housing Resource Center: 39 Broad Street, Quincy, MA 02169 (617-770-3314)
• Smith Family Housing Resource Center: 124 Manely Street, Brockton, MA 02301 (508-587-5411)

Guests must prove a connection to the greater Quincy/Brockton/South Shore area. Sex offenders must register with Quincy/Brockton Police Department.

First Church in Cambridge

First Church in Cambridge is a congregation living their calling of radical welcome and abundant grace to serve the needs of their community.

Services:

• Homeless Ministries
• The First Church Shelter: Their 14-bed men’s shelter operates 365 days a year and makes a long-term investment in individuals, including a full spectrum of support services to assist in residents’ specific needs as they seek stable housing. The Shelter opens at 4:00 every afternoon and guests depart by 8:00 in the morning. On weekends the shelter is open all day. (Contact: Jim Stewart, jstewart@firstchurchshelter.org or 617- 661-1873)
• The Friday Café: A weekly daytime drop-in program, offers a welcoming space where homeless and housed adults can gather and get to know each other. The Cafe is open Fridays from 12:00-3:00pm. (Call 617-851-5074 or Email fridaycafe@firstchurchcambridge.org for more information)

The First Church Shelter accepts referrals from credible service providers in the greater Boston area, including hospitals, other shelters, and social service agencies. Must be 18+; drug and alcohol-free; not able to admit guests who are experiencing an acute psychiatric emergency; no registered sex offenders.

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (HSHS) is a dry shelter open from October 15 until April 15. HSHS is student-run and operates out of the basement of University Lutheran Church in Harvard Square. HSHS works to provide guests with shelter, food, security, and a supportive environment of mutual respect. HSHS serves 18 guests per night.

Services:

• Reserving a Bed: Lotteries for beds occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as beds become available. To enter the waitlist, fill out the lottery form online or in-person at the door of the shelter. The waitlist will be refreshed on the first day of every month, so everyone must re-enter the waitlist each month. Winning lottery numbers will be posted on the door and will be available over the phone the morning of each lottery.
• Meals: Guests receive breakfast and dinner. Blankets, basic toiletries, and food are available for guests as well as non-guests at the door.
• Laundry: HSHS maintains a washer and dryer for guest use.
• Computers: Three computers with internet connection and a printer are available for guests throughout their stay.
• Referrals: If no beds are available at HSHS, staff will make referrals to other shelters upon request.
• Case Management: The Resource Advocacy program provides case-management to guests to help them connect with social services in the Boston/Cambridge area.
• Programming: Various partners including healthcare and music come into the space to assist guests.

Open 7:00pm to 8:00am., and 9:00 on Saturdays.

Office Address:
Phillips Brooks House Association
1 Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138

Self-referral | Dry Shelter

Heading Home

Heading Home is one of the Commonwealth’s leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing for children and adults currently or formerly experiencing homelessness. Our housing-plus-services approach sets clients on a pathway to self-sufficiency.

Services:

• Emergency Shelters: Heading Home provides emergency assistance shelter to 360+ families each night.
• Camino a Casa Shelter: a division of Heading Home, that offers services in Spanish to over 130 families in Boston and Lawrence.
• Permanent Housing: Heading Home houses 200+ chronically ill homeless individuals and 25+ families in permanent supportive housing programs.
• Pathways to Permanent Housing Program: transitional housing program which provides intensive economic coaching and case management for 21 families working toward gaining independence.
• Economic Mobility and Workforce Development: program focused on increasing savings, reducing debt, and securing employment for homeless families.

Requirements vary by program.

Hearth

Hearth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly. Currently, Hearth, Inc. operates 228 units of permanent supportive housing located in seven different buildings throughout the Greater Boston area.

Services: Anna Bissonnette House (permanent supportive housing), Elsie Frank House (congregate housing for women), Hearth at Burroughs Street (congregate housing for formerly homeless seniors), Hearth at Olmsted Green (permanent supportive housing), Ruggles Assisted Living (affordable assisted living), Ruth Cowin House (studio apartments), Hearth at Four Corners (supportive, affordable housing for older adults).

Housing Applications: here

Elsie Frank House: 4 Bishop Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617-524-9878)

Hearth at Olmsted Green: 2 Kingbird Road, Dorchester, MA 12124 (617-456-3601)

Ruth Cowin House: 1027 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (617-232-1891)

Anna Bissonnette House: 1640 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 (617-369-1550)

Hearth at Burroughs Street: 27 Burroughs Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617-522-0677)

Ruggles Affordable Assisted Living: 25 Ruggles Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 (617-427-0142)

Hearth at Four Corners: 16 Ronald Street Dorchester, MA 02121 (857-557-5255)

Low-income seniors age 55 and up

New England Center and Home for Veterans

The New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) aim to equip Veterans who are facing or at-risk of homelessness with the tools for economic sufficiency and to provide them a path to achieve successful and dignified independent living. A service and care provider for former military service men and women, the NECHV offers a broad array of programs and services that enable success, reintegration, meaningful employment, and independent living.

Services: Transitional Housing, Permanent and Supportive Housing, Support, Employment and Training

Services: 24/7
Office hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Any person who has served in the U.S Military (active, Guard, Reserve), regardless of era, length or character of service, is a Veteran, and is eligible for services and support from the NECHV.

Pine Street Inn

Pine Street Inn partners with homeless individuals to help them move from the streets and shelter to a home and assists formerly homeless individuals in retaining housing. They provide street outreach, emergency services, supportive housing, job training and connections to employment.

Services: 

• Emergency Services: Street outreach, Front Door Triage, Emergency shelter 
• Housing: Housing with Support, Addressing Chronic Homelessness, Veterans’ Housing
• Workforce Development: iCater, Housekeeping
  • The program orientation is every eight weeks, and the programs last between four and six months.  This is a referral-based program—applicants can ask a case manager or clinician to help them apply.  The program has Job Placement Specialists and a Stabilization Specialist to help you continue your employment journey even after the program ends.
• Additional Services: Homeless Court, Recovery Services

Project Hope

Project Hope is a multi-service agency at the forefront of efforts in Boston to move families up and out of poverty. They provide women with children, who are experiencing poverty, with access to education, jobs, housing, and emergency services; foster their personal transformation; and advocate for broader systems change.

Services: Housing Services, ESOL Program, Adult Basic Education Program, Family Childcare, Ambassadors’ Bureau

RESPOND, Inc.

RESPOND provides emergency shelter and a range of support services and educational programs to thousands of survivors of domestic violence each year including adults, children, and teens regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or other characteristics.

Services:

• Community-Based Services: Community Intervention and Education Program, Law Enforcement Partnership Program, SAFER Program
• Housing and Residential Services: Housing Program, Residential Services Program, Young Parents Program 

Business office hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Support and Intake Line:
Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
(At all other times, callers can be connected to state and federal hotlines.)

Rosie’s Place

Rosie’s Place provides a safe and nurturing environment for poor and unhoused women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

Services: 

• Emergency Support: Food Programs, Day Shelter, Overnight Shelter, Wellness
• Ongoing Support: Advocacy, Education, Legal Services, Housing Stabilization, Public Policy

Hours vary by program

Somerville Homeless Coalition

The Somerville Homeless Coalition provides homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with individualized supportive services and tailored housing solutions with the goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.

Services: Emergency Assistance, Food Assistance, Homelessness Prevention, Outreach & Shelter, Housing Search Assistance, Supportive Housing 

Office
Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Shelter
Monday through Sunday: 4:00pm - 8:00am

St. Francis House

St. Francis House offers basic, rehabilitative, and housing services to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness. The center is open every day of the year.

Services: Day Shelter, Recovery Support Center, Housing, Workforce Development, Behavioral Health, Medical Clinic

Hours vary depending on program. Call or visit website for details.

The Network – La Red

The Network provides a variety of services for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community experiencing partner abuse. The organization also provides assistance and referrals to LGBT community members. The web site is available in English and Spanish.

Services: Hotline, Housing Pathways Program, Support Groups, Individual Support, Resources, How to Help a Friend

Hotline is 24/7