Melnea Cass / Mass. Ave. 2.0
The intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard is often referred to as "Mass/Cass." It is an area of Boston with a long history of serving the City's — and the region’s — most vulnerable populations.
For decades, the area has been home to medical providers, homeless shelters, and substance use support services. An unprecedented national substance use crisis has emerged over the last several years. The Mass/Cass area is experiencing an impact on public health, public safety, and quality of life.
The Mass/Cass Strategic Plan was released in October 2019. The plan outlines the City of Boston’s strategy to address these issues.
Focus areas
Focus areasThe team directs all short- and long-term strategies in the Mass/Cass neighborhood. The CRT is comprised of leadership in relevant City departments:
- Recovery Services
- Boston Police
- Boston Public Health Commission’s Homeless Services
- Department of Neighborhood Development
- Office of Neighborhood Services
- Boston Public Schools
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Works
- Boston Fire Department
- Emergency Medical Services
- Inspectional Services, and
- New Urban Mechanics.
The CRT team communicates daily. They coordinate public health, public safety, and quality-of-life efforts in the Mass/Cass area.
The task force advises the City of Boston on the Mass/Cass 2.0 plan. It is made up of:
- neighborhood stakeholders
- service providers
- elected officials
- businesses, and
- academic partners.
The City of Boston operates several public health programs and initiatives in the Mass/Cass area, including:
A full-time team solely focused on Mass/Cass area. This team directs people to services in the area, offers health supplies, and picks up needle debris.
PAATHSA treatment navigation program that places people in all levels of substance use treatment.
AHOPEThe program offers harm reduction services. These include syringe supplies, STI/HIV testing, and risk reduction counseling.
Two emergency sheltersThe Southampton Street Shelter serves men, and the Woods Mullen Shelter serves women.
Community Assistance Team
Responds to non-emergency medical issues on the street.
Mobile Sharps TeamPicks up needle debris across the City of Boston.
The Engagement CenterA low-threshold, drop-in space.
Other programsThe Moms Project, Men’s Health and Recovery, and Behavioral Health Services offering outpatient substance use, mental health, and psychiatric supports for men and women.
- Boston Police Street Outreach Unit, which offers diversion opportunities, services, and transportation to individuals struggling with homelessness, substance use and mental health
- Increased patrols in Boston Police Districts D-4, C-6, and B-2.
- View Boston Fire Department recovery assistance information for October 2019 - September 2020.
- Dedicated Public Works cleaning crew for the Mass/Cass area.
- Mobile Sharps Team that picks up syringe debris, citywide
- Removal and disinfection of public defection on private property, citywide