We align our resources and programs to help families avoid shelter. Our staff help them to maintain or identify new permanent housing, obtain employment, and achieve greater stability.
Strategic Prevention Initiative
In June 2016 we launched the Strategic Prevention Initiative with the goal to help families avoid shelter and improve retention of housing and employment. The initiative includes a Prevention team based out of the Brockton Department of Transitional Assistance.
Tenancy Preservation Program
Many of the disabled individuals at risk of being evicted from their current housing are parents who have children and other dependent family members at home. We intervene on their behalf in Housing Court, mediating disputes with landlords, providing reports to Housing Court judges, and directing families to special services they may need. The program serves individuals in the following Housing Courts: Plymouth, Canton, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and Hyannis.
Diversion from Shelter
Father Bill’s & MainSpring helps connect families who are in a housing crisis to solutions that enable them to remain in their home or find and alternative to entering shelter. For example, some families may be eligible for temporary cash assistance for rent from the state through programs like Emergency Assistance or HomeBASE, or other sources. As long as their current housing situation is safe, we help them find and secure the best options to avoid shelter.
