Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless

CONTACT:

398 Columbus Avenue, Suite 322
Boston, MA 02116
781.595.7570
www.mahomeless.org

Robyn Frost, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

The problem of homelessness has two levels: tactically, addressing the immediate needs of homeless people, and strategically, finding long-term housing solutions. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH), the nation’s oldest statewide homeless advocacy organization and a leader on issues of homelessness, has been addressing both levels of need for more than 20 years, with a broad range of programs.

MCH’s Advocacy Program has been at the forefront of legislative policy changes for the homeless and near-homeless, helping to secure emergency assistance, increased shelters for working families, greater healthcare access, and permanent housing assistance. Its “Faith Into Action Together” program works with faith-based congregations to prevent and combat homelessness. A “Home Stretch” program works with families who have experienced homelessness, as well as service providers, advocates, and volunteers, to address the social and economic issues that cause and prolong the problem. A “Solidarity Project” trains volunteers to provide support for legal assistance for the homeless. In 1999 alone, the MCH Donation Assistance program collected and distributed more than $3.4 million worth of donated furniture and household goods to 3,955 households and 22,870 individuals. Other recent accomplishments include: winning a legislative campaign to raise income limits for family shelter eligibility, and supporting amendments to the Food Stamp program to minimize the risk of hunger among unemployed homeless people.

Your support will help MCH’s more than 700 volunteers, 400 faith communities, and 1,300 service providers and advocacy groups to address short-term needs and find long-term solutions for homeless people.

(2000: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)