Homelessness Prevention

One of the great parts of being an Alderman is receiving information from a lot of sources.


I found this info from Newton’s Planning and Development Dept particularly interesting. The City of Newton, in concert with Watertown and Waltham, received a grant of $923,000 in 2009 from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The program serves people who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness. These people receive financial assistance and housing relocation or stabilization services. To qualify, they must have a household income at or below 50% of the area median income.

The City of Newton selected Jewish Family and Children’s Service as the lead agency to provide the services. (JF&CS is working with the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, The Second Step, and Newton Community Service Center.) Staff at City Hall in Newton monitor the provider agencies to assure compliance.

Demand for the service has been high. During the fiscal year 2010, the program served 248 individuals from 103 households. Of these, 73% received homelessness prevention services and 27% received assistance in finding housing or remaining housed. Intake for the program had to be closed in May 2010 because the commitment of financial assistance to existing clients will exhaust the funds in the grant.

This kind of work by government agencies and non-profits for neighbors who are facing tough times doesn’t get a lot of publicity. I’m glad to know this is happening.

Want more information? Contact Amy Yuhasz at 617-796-1122 or ayuhasz@newtonma.gov