Homeless Services
MHA is a true leader in providing creative services to homeless individuals. MHA was the first agency in Western MA to bring specialized permanent housing resources to the homeless through the Shelter Plus Care model. MHA also introduced the highly successful Safe Havens model to the area. MHA has created a continuum of care from street outreach to preventive interventions to permanent housing. MHA is an integral part of the State and local plans to end homelessness.
Shelter Plus Care – This is a supported housing model that couples federal housing subsidies with state service funding to promote permanency and reduce the incidence of homelessness. Mental health outreach workers engage with participants in their homes and community settings. Support hours are typically during the day and early evening, focusing on activities of daily living.
Homeless Outreach - Springfield has a street outreach team, which has professionals with substance abuse and mental health areas of expertise. The team interacts with homeless individuals, historically the most difficult to engage. The goals are to encourage individuals to accept assistance, whether it is blankets, medical care or housing.
REACH - acronym for MHA’s Regional Engagement and Assessment Center & Housing - This program provides connections and evaluations for homeless individuals not affiliated with other known community resources. This “housing first” model prioritizes permanent affordable housing.
Tenancy Preservation Program – MHA with community support created the first TPP to serve individuals with lease/tenancy violations and who are at risk of homelessness due to mental impairments. The goal is to preserve tenancies and prevent homelessness. The program works closely with Western MA Housing Courts, housing authorities, landlords and other stakeholders. TPP is used as a best practice in Massachusetts and other states.