Our Work to End Homelessness
We’re working to end homelessness in Boston. Learn about our progress, action plans and initiatives.
We work with nonprofit and community partners to coordinate housing and services for homeless households in Boston. We apply for and distribute grants, collect and report data about homelessness in Boston, and set system-wide policies and goals.
Are you looking for help? If you are homeless or someone you know is homeless, follow the link below for help:
These organizations can help
If you’re at immediate risk of becoming homeless, call the Office of Housing Stability at 617-635-4200, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For help outside these hours, please contact BOS:311. You can dial 3-1-1 or call 617-635-4500.
The City is launching a program to support landlords who rent to Boston households moving out of homelessness. We provide signing bonuses, holding fees, and a dedicated customer service provider.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Housing
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12 Channel Street
9th FloorBoston, MA 02210
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12 CHANNEL STREET
9TH FLOOR
BOSTON, MA 02210 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Our progress
In 2015, the City released Boston’s Way Home: An Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness. Under this plan, we’ve made huge strides.
Highlights:- Chronic homelessness reduced by 19 percent
- Veteran homelessness reduced by 32 percent
- Boston’s Way Home Fund reached its goal of raising $10 million two years ahead of schedule
- $4.7 million committed to creating 157 new housing opportunities for unaccompanied youth and young adults experiencing homelessness as part of our Rising to the Challenge plan
- Transformed homeless services system into a coordinated network focused on helping the most vulnerable households across our City
- Over 15,000 homeless people housed since 2014
- On average, 2,115 single adults experience homelessness on a single night
- Two percent of people experiencing homelessness on a single night are sleeping outside — the lowest rate of any major city
- Over 1,000 chronically homeless individuals housed
- More than 1,300 homeless veterans housed
- $38.3 million in annual grants for housing and services to help the homeless
Annual Homeless Census
Each year, volunteers go through every neighborhood in Boston to count, survey, and offer shelter and services to people staying on the street.
Our Action Plans
Our Action PlansAction plans create momentum and bring people together to achieve collective goals.
Boston Continuum of Care
We lead the local planning body known as a Continuum of Care that’s designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate housing and services for homeless households in Boston.
For news, updates, and funding opportunities for nonprofits and government agencies, visit our Continuum of Care page:
Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA)
We lead the local planning body known as a Continuum of Care that’s The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. The City of Boston administers HOPWA funding for Suffolk, Norfolk and Plymouth counties.
For news, updates, and funding opportunities for nonprofits and government agencies, visit our HOPWA page:
Ways to help
You can help someone experiencing homelessness. Volunteer with a nonprofit, donate clothes or food, and more.
In the news
In the news-
Still have questions? Contact:
Housing
-
12 Channel Street
9th FloorBoston, MA 02210
-
12 CHANNEL STREET
9TH FLOOR
BOSTON, MA 02210 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
