Homelessness Initiatives:
Mobilizing Resources to End Homelessness

The state of Massachusetts and cities in the Pioneer Valley, including the City of Springfield, have all made commitments to mobilize resources to end homelessness. For homeless families with children, the state has shifted away from providing shelter placements. Resources have been allocated to provide permanent housing to prevent homelessness, reduce the length of time families remain in shelter and provide services that help stabilize families.  The Western Massachusetts Network to end Homelessness can provide more information about regional efforts to end homelessness.

'Rapid Re-housing': A New Response to Homelessness

HAPHousing is now one of the leading agencies in these rapid re-housing and prevention efforts, building on the experience gained during the 25 years we have provided homelessness prevention services and operated Prospect House, a congregate family shelter in Springfield.

The rapid re-housing initiatives run by HAPHousing help families move from shelters and motels into market rate apartments. Resources available, including funds for security deposits, first and last month’s rent and temporary rental stipends are designed to facilitate stability. During the limited time that rental stipends are available, families are given the tools they need to become self-sufficient and continue to maintain the tenancy.

We currently provide 46 temporary rapid re-housing scattered-site emergency shelter units in Springfield and 9 units at our congregate shelter Prospect House, where homeless families can stay while they work with program staff to obtain stable, permanent housing. HAPHousing is also working with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to find permanent housing for families placed in hotels in Western Massachusetts. After placement into permanent housing, program staff provide these families with 18 months of stabilization services.

Families are accepted into the Prospect House or rapid re-housing shelter units through referral by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. There are also a variety of programs and services available from HAPHousing that can help someone stabilize their existing housing situation and avoid becoming homeless.

Ending Homelessness through Affordable Housing Development

Strategies for avoiding homelessness depend on an adequate supply of readily available, affordable housing – and HAPHousing works actively to increase the stock of affordable units in our region. HAPHousing has developed nearly 900 units of affordable housing including single person occupancy units, transitional and permanent housing for families who have experienced homelessness, and housing for those with special needs. Currently, we are working with a group of other nonprofit developers and service providers to explore new ways to add to the stock of supportive housing for those with special needs.