MHA offers support to prevent and address homelessness among greater Springfield’s most marginalized populations. Through a variety of person-centric, need-specific programs, MHA applies the principles of Housing First to ensure that all people have access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their individual challenges. We use a supported housing model that combines federal housing subsidies with state service funds to promote permanency called Shelter Plus Care.
We deliver…
- Supportive housing programs and wrap around services specifically designed to help chronically homeless individuals to achieve stability and transition to independent, permanent housing. This includes individuals with a history of substance use, incarceration or trauma.
- Youth residential programs for adolescents experiencing behavioral health challenges and who are served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
- Residential and outreach supports to individuals with mental health challenges
To learn more about eligibility or referrals, please contact Christine Palmieri, MHA’s VP Recovery and Housing, at 413-734-5376 or cpalmieri@mhainc.org.
MHA Programs for Recovery & Housing
MHA continues to be a pioneer in addressing chronic homelessness and substance use recovery. Our organization is respected locally, state-wide and nationally for our work piloting innovations including Pay for Success and Home & Healthy for Good.
RECOVERY PROGRAMS
GRIT– Residential Recovery Services program for people who experience both psychiatric disability and addiction. Provides structured treatment and relapse prevention support as well as connections to community resources to sustain sobriety. Three programs service adult men, young adult men 18 – 26, and LGBTQ adults.
BestLife Wellness Center – Outpatient center providing services for emotional wellness, including comprehensive substance use treatment and recovery support for adults and children.
TREATMENT AND HOUSING PROGRAMS
Youth in Transition (YIT)– Residential program for young adult men and women aged 18 – 22 who are referred by DCF. Incorporates structured clinical treatment services to prepare youth to transition into independent and/or supported adult services. VIEW YIT BROCHURE
MHA Youth Navigators–MHA Youth Navigators help young adults to identify and access resources that fit their individual needs and circumstances. Initially, this involves securing or sustaining housing. It also could mean connecting young adults with meaningful benefits, such as health insurance, food subsidies, mental health services, job training or employment opportunities. LEARN MORE
ABLE House–If you are looking for a safe and supportive place to live as a member of a sober community, consider Able House. Located in Springfield’s historic McKnight neighborhood, Able House provides a welcoming environment that facilitates and nurtures successful living in recovery by providing a clean and comfortable home for our members to thrive in their sobriety. LEARN MORE
Safe Haven–Specialized shelter for adult men and women challenged by chronic homelessness, substance use and psychiatric conditions.The program’s goal is to help participants stabilize their lives, pursue their goals, and overcome barriers to housing so they can live independently.
Adult Residential Programs –Group residences for adults referred by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and who are receiving support through Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS). Staff provide support and skill teaching to promote independent living.
Avon Place– Residential program for adults referred by DMH and receiving support through ACCS who have a psychiatric disability and substance use disorder.
Women’s Program– Residential program for adult women referred by DMH and receiving support through ACCS who have experienced trauma and psychiatric disability. Services are provided to help women regulate emotional distress and learn the skills needed to live independently and productively in the community.
PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING AND HOMELESS DIVERSION PROGRAMS
Aggressive Treatment and Relapse Prevention (ATARP) – Outreach program for people referred by DMH who are homeless and have recent experience with addiction and/or recovery. Provides a housing subsidy and supportive services to help stabilize and transition participants to a tenant-based subsidy and graduation from services, using a Housing First approach.
Regional Engagement and Assessment Center & Housing (REACH)– Outreach program for people who are chronically homeless and referred through the City of Springfield’s continuum of care. Provides a housing subsidy and supportive services focused on housing placement and maintenance, using a Housing First approach.
Community Support Program for People Experiencing Chronic Homelessness (CSPECH)– Medicaid-funded outreach program for people who are chronically homeless and referred through the continuum of care. Provides a housing subsidy and supportive services focused on housing placement and maintenance, using a Housing First approach.
Home & Healthy for Good (HHG) –First-in-the-nation initiative to address chronic homelessness. In partnership with the Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance (MHSA), HHG provides low-threshold, permanent housing with supportive services to those who would otherwise rely on costly emergency resources. This enables participants to address their often complex health issues more selectively than they would on the streets or in shelters.
Permanent Supportive Housing for Youth- We have two outreach programs. Our Greenfield office serves Hampshire, Berkshire and Franklin counties and our Springfield office serves Hampden County for young people 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The program provides a housing subsidy and supportive services. Young people are referred by their local continuum of care.
