Homeless Services
We provide emergency shelter, social services, and housing search services to Boston residents experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to make homelessness in Boston rare, brief, and one-time.
We work as part of Boston’s Continuum of Care to help end homelessness in Boston, serving close to 5,000 people each year and being one of the largest providers of emergency shelter in New England.
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Questions? Contact us:
Find Shelter
If you are a provider or organization seeking a referral on behalf of a client, please call 617-534-4440.
To find more services for people experiencing homelessness, click the button below:
If you are currently experiencing homelessness and need immediate shelter, please visit:
- Southampton Men's Shelter, 112 Southampton Street, Boston, MA 02118
- Woods Mullen Women’s Shelter, 794 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
You do not need to call ahead to come into our shelters. Our shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions.
Volunteer
There are many ways for individuals and groups to volunteer with us. If you, are interested in any of the opportunities below, please email info@bphc.org.
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Recreational or Health-focused Activities: Lead fun activities in our shelters. Activities can include sing-a-longs, Bingo, board games, walking groups, etc.
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Life Skills and Support Groups: Provide groups or services in our shelters and transitional programs. Groups can include educational groups, spirituality-based services, or support groups.
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Tutoring: Tutor guests in reading, math, GED Prep, computer literacy, and budgeting.
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Housewarming Baskets: For people moving out of the shelters and unsafe outdoor spaces into safe, stable housing.
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Community Meals Program: Serve and/or sponsor dinner for the hundreds of emergency shelter guests at our shelters.
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Painting and Cleaning Projects: Help create a welcoming setting for our emergency shelters and transitional programs.
Donate
Please donate critically needed items for adults only, schedule all donation drop-offs in advance, and refer to the wish list below for requested items. You can organize a drive at your work, school, or organization. These drives benefit our emergency shelters and transitional programs.
We also receive donations and support from Friends of Boston’s Homeless, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. They help develop and support innovative, solution-oriented programs. These programs help the homeless move beyond shelter and back into the community. They increase public awareness and understanding of the realities of homelessness.
For information, please call 617-534-4953 or email us at donations@bphc.org.
Donation Wishlist
The following items may be new or gently used:
- T-shirts
- Thermal wear (from fall – spring)
- Sneakers and boots
- Jeans and pants (sweatpants and joggers are in particular demand)
- Sweatshirts and sweaters
- Winter coats (from fall – spring) and raincoats
- Winter hats, gloves and scarves (from fall – spring)
- Suits and dress shirts
- Dresses and skirts
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Raincoats and umbrellas
- Duffel bags and backpacks
- Belts and wallets
- Shoelaces
- Board games and decks of cards
- Eyeglasses and sunglasses
- Books, journals, and note cards
- Sunscreen (from spring – summer)
- Art supplies
About Homeless Services
Through low-barrier shelters, we use evidence-based, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice to help individuals quickly end their homelessness and stay stably housed. We provide hands-on job training, housing assistance, and behavioral health services for clients in our shelters.
Our model
- Rare: We problem solve with new guests at the front door to prevent anyone from entering homelessness to begin with.
- Brief: For individuals who do become homeless, we help them quickly find a safe place to go.
- One time: Once housed, we provide in-home supports to ensure someone does not become homeless again.
We are committed to helping individuals with any challenges that lead to homelessness. We affirm the dignity and human rights of every person that we serve and recognize that each individual has a unique story.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Who's Involved:
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Questions? Contact us:
