city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Social Media Survey
/
We want to better understand where folks in the City of Boston are finding news and information through social media. To help with this effort, please take our quick survey today:
Last updated:

Harm Reduction

Our Harm Reduction team provides training to all Homeless Services staff on overdose prevention, including the use of Narcan, and responds to critical incidents in our shelters.

The dedicated Harm Reduction team was created in 2022, and it is housed within our shelters. In addition to providing intensive services to guests who use substances, the team provides safety planning with guests, including those transitioning into permanent housing, and assists with safety monitoring for guests under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Harm Reduction is based on reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use, while realizing that stopping drug use altogether is not always the path that guests will choose. Rather than stigmatizing people who use drugs, our Harm Reduction team works to provide them with safer alternatives to their current practices, and to problem-solve ways to improve guests’ quality of life. 

Provide Your Feedback
Back to top