Housing Department

BPHC Housing Services uses Housing First principles to help shelter guests discuss housing options, and to move guests onto a pathway towards permanent housing. Housing First is central to our model for ending homelessness.

Homeless Services Bureau’s Housing Pathways Plan works to make stays for shelter guests rare, brief, and one time:   

• reducing the number of guests entering shelter through housing problem solving and diversion,  

• reducing overall length of time homeless by engaging guests on to a housing pathway, and  

• providing stabilization supports to prevent returns to shelter.  

Shelter-based Housing Navigation: internal housing services are dedicated to those who have been identified as having the longest histories of homelessness within Boston. Services are outreach- and engagement-oriented, bringing housing search and navigation activities to guests who may ordinarily be resistant to service engagement.  

Rapid Rehousing: provides short-term rental assistance and case management services to shelter guests seeking rapid placement into housing. The program provides upfront move-in cost assistance, short-term rental assistance, case management, and linkage to community-based services and supports.  

Housing Stabilization: provides in-community support services to guests transitioning out of shelter to help individuals adjust their new homes, and to assist individuals with establishing community connections.  

For more information on available housing resources click here.