Ways We Help Families

Housing Families Inc. is one of the largest providers of family shelter in Massachusetts, helping more than 1,400 families since the agency first opened its doors in 1986. Founded by residents of Malden, Medford and Everett as a sheltering agency for local families, Housing Families has evolved into a statewide leader in creating long-term solutions to the challenges of family homelessness.

Click on the links below to learn about the different ways we help families.

• Family Shelter
• Permanent Housing
• Housing Assistance
• Stabilization
• Children and Family
• One Family Scholars

Who We Help

In FY06, Housing Families provided shelter to 122 families. A total of 81 families participated in the Stabilization Program, and 140 families received housing search assistance during that same period.

Families are referred to Housing Families by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, which screens families, determines their eligibility, and monitors their progress while involved in Housing Families' shelter programs.

Families in our shelters come primarily from local communities. However, during the past six months we have sheltered families who last lived in Wilmington, Salem, Haverhill and Brockton. This wide range reflects the state system's limited ability to keep families close to their home communities.

• The largest group of families we served came from Boston (27%).
• The second largest group came from Malden (17%).
• The next largest groups came from Everett and Medford (each at 8%).

Among those who were "heads of household" among families served, 91% were women and 89% were single parents. 38% had a high school diploma, and 17% took college courses or completed degree programs.

Housing Families' diverse families were 48% White, 24% Black, and 23% Latino. 34% of heads of household were born outside of the United States, including a small percentage of newcomer immigrants. Housing Families' families face real poverty, with incomes at or below 30% of Greater Boston's Area Medium Income.

Wherever possible Housing Families' staff members seek to help families leaving shelter, move into communities where they have meaningful ties.