Narrative of Accomplishments

Since it's inception in 1994, HomeStart has tracked data on every person the organization has ever served and the housing outcomes achieved. HomeStart's staff and board review annual results and use these data to refine strategies and improve programming.

Accomplishments:

• Thousands moved to housing - More than 4,000 homeless people have moved to housing since HomeStart began in 1994, with over 350 more finding homes each year.
• Most people remain housed - 98% of those receiving HomeStart's follow-up housing retention services remain housed when tracked one year later.
• Many others avoid homelessness - Over 280 low-income families and individuals on the verge of eviction are prevented from becoming homeless each year. Information and resources are provided to over 1,700 additional households each year.
• Most of the homeless shelter system is covered - HomeStart's Housing Search services are now offered at most of the shelters and other programs where homeless men and women stay in Boston and Cambridge. Several domestic violence shelters for families, not covered by the state-funded housing search system, are served as well.
• Partnerships formed with government to create housing solutions - Public agencies often tap HomeStart's expertise to manage new housing services, subsidies, and more.
• A sizable portfolio of housing subsidies - Nearly 400 government-funded housing subsidies are managed by HomeStart. When combined with housing retention services they enable people with disabilities who were once homeless to live successfully in the community.
• A sizable pool of flexible rental funds - Nearly $370,000 a year is carefully distributed in small grants of rental assistance to help people to secure and keep housing (e.g., move-in costs, short-term rent stipends, rent arrears).
• Cutting-edge Housing First programs - Approximately 63 men and women who were once chronically homeless-disabled and living on the streets for years-are now making it in apartments of their own, thanks to HomeStart's intensive case management, money management services and rental subsidies. Since the program's inception in 2005, 97% of those assisted remain housed.
• Partnerships with the real estate industry to open doors to housing - Collaboration with several real estate industry groups has resulted in thousands of dollars raised for housing resources.
• Recognized as a best practice model - The National Alliance to End Homelessness has cited HomeStart's housing search and retention services as a model to replicate.

Click here to download our 2008 Annual Report.