Given the ever-changing challenges posed by the pandemic, Housing Families has instituted a holistic Covid response, from expanding and adapting our current programming, to establishing new Covid assistance programs.
The Challenge
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on countless Americans across the country, and it has further exacerbated the issues of poverty and homelessness. Massachusetts’ Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD) deemed 500 additional individual shelter beds necessary in 2020.
1%
of Massachusetts households reported the likelihood of eviction or foreclosure during the early days of the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau
.1m
people in Massachusetts were struggling to eat according to the Greater Boston Food Bank, in May 2021
Our Solution
$1K
in rental assistance distributed during COVID-19 to over 200 households
1
households stabilized through homelessness prevention and legal services
Recognizing the significant impact the pandemic has had on our communities, Housing Families has launched a number of covid response initiatives to support the 2,600+ people served by our programs. We recently opened our Community Resource Hub which offers all our clients much-needed healthy food and household supplies. We opened a 22-bed homeless shelter for individuals to support Malden and the surrounding communities, and shifted some of our programmatic support to virtual models.
Our Services
Opened a 22-bed, adult individual homeless shelter in Malden – the only in the region
Increased legal team’s presence in virtual court by 650%, representing clients daily at no-cost.
Provided rental assistance to households during the eviction moratoria, including legal support to prevent evictions
Shifted academic programs and summer camps to virtual model.
Expanded food assistance to families through food pantry with grocery pickups and deliveries.
Shifted clinical services (therapy, support groups) to virtual model, maintaining 100% retention of adults enrolled in our parent resource groups pre-pandemic
Laura Rosi, Esq.
CEO, Housing Families
This pandemic has allowed us to see that now, more than ever, access to housing is essential for the safety of individuals, families, and for society as a whole.