Through our housing-resource delivery model we aim to reduce reliance on shelters with comprehensive solutions that prevent homelessness and divert people who do become homeless from shelters.
To reduce the flow into the emergency shelter system, we have to intervene earlier in an individual or family's housing crisis. The longer households languish in shelter the more significant their rehousing barriers can become.
This model saves public money because sheltering people ultimately is the costliest option.
Prevention
FBMS operates five different prevention programs targeted to households most at-risk of becoming homeless.
These programs include court-based tenancy preservation work, publicly and privately funded emergency financial assistance and support service programs, and upstream partnerships with housing authorities and large property owners.
In addition to existing and expanded FBMS prevention programs, we seek strategic partnerships with community-based agencies doing this work.
Diversion
In many cases, individuals and families do not ask for help until they are imminently facing homelessness and in immediate need of an emergency shelter bed. In those situations, FBMS diversion specialists assist households in securing alternative housing arrangements whenever possible to divert them from placement into shelter and provide supplemental services to support the individuals in obtaining a more stable placement.
FBMS currently operates a diversion program for homeless families seeking shelter in the Brockton area.
At our Housing Resource Centers for individuals, the target population for our diversion programs will include people coming out of medical and psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, or correctional institutions to avoid inappropriate discharges from systems of care, as well as others seeking services who can be diverted.
Yawkey Housing Resource Center, Quincy
Under construction (Picture from June 2023) Expected to open in 2023.
Will serve individual adults facing a housing crisis.
Click here to learn more about the Yawkey Housing Resource Center.
And click here to learn how the public can join our "A Path Home" campaign supporting our Housing Resource Centers.
Brockton Housing Resource Center, Quincy
Under construction. Expected to open in 2024.
Will serve individual adults facing a housing crisis.
Click here to learn more about the Brockton Housing Resource Center.
And click here to learn how the public can join our "A Path Home" campaign supporting our Housing Resource Centers.
Front Door for Families
An initiative to help families avoid shelter and improve retention of housing and employment. Includes a team based out of the Brockton Department of Transitional Assistance.
Tenancy Preservation Program
Serving individuals and families facing eviction in the following Housing Courts: Plymouth, Canton, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and Hyannis.