(BOSTON 01/05/2023) – The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and its constituent agency, the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced $9 million to expand access for temporary low-threshold permanent housing and support services for adults experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, co-occurring illness, mental health conditions or are at risk for or living with HIV.

The funding, awarded to six nonprofit organizations including two in Worcester, will increase the supply of low-threshold housing by 125 new units, and continued funding for 31 existing units to provide services for up to 355 individuals per year. The organizations have extensive experience providing low-threshold and Housing First models, for which sobriety is not a requirement for accessing or maintaining housing.

"Massachusetts is a 'right to shelter' state for families, but the need for housing extends to individuals as well. I am pleased to see that two nonprofits in Worcester will receive funding to expand access to low-threshold housing to ensure that some of our most vulnerable populations are housed, particularly during these cold winter months," said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury).

"It is right that these Worcester organizations are working to tackle a serious challenge facing the Commonwealth,” said Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “I am grateful for their leadership and am glad to see that they received much-needed funding to support their work."

Award recipients:

· Living in Freedom Together (Worcester)

· Open Sky (Worcester)

· Center for Human Development (Holyoke)

· Pine Street Inn (Boston)

· South Middlesex Opportunity Council (Leominster)

· Square One Medical (Quincy)

The awards are for an initial period of 18 months with the option to extend for four additional years.

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