Last updated: 11/27/24

Homeless Services

We provide emergency shelter, social services, and housing search services to Boston’s homeless citizens. Our goal is to make homelessness in Boston rare, brief, and one-time.

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We work as part of Boston’s Continuum of Care to help end homelessness in Boston. We work to prevent people from becoming homeless, provide emergency shelter and housing search services if they do, and once housed support people so that they do not become homeless again.

For more information, contact:
617-534-5395
info@bhpc.org

Homeless Services

Serving close to 5,000 people every year, we are one of the largest providers of emergency shelter in New England and are the only shelters in the city open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round. Through low-barrier shelters, we use harm-reduction, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice to help individuals quickly end their homelessness and stay stably housed.

For more information, please call 617-534-5395.

Our model

Rare: We problem solve with new guests at the front door to prevent anyone from entering homelessness to begin with.
Brief: For individuals who do become homeless we help them quickly find a safe place to go.
One time: Once housed, we provide in-home supports to ensure someone does not become homeless again.

We are committed to helping individuals with any challenges that lead to homelessness. We affirm the dignity and human rights of every person that we serve and recognize that each individual has a unique story.

Programs and Partners

Emergency Shelter

We provide short-term emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Housing

We help targeted groups of unhoused individuals find and maintain housing.

Behavioral Health

Our social workers and case managers assess, support, and refer guests to services.

Job Training and Education

Serving Ourselves Program

We provide hands-on job-training to shelter guests.

Quincy Street Kitchen

Our Kitchen location at 196 Quincy Street prepares food for our shelters.

Harm Reduction

Our Harm Reduction team trains staff and responds to critical incidents.

Front Door Triage

Our Front Door Triage team helps determine opportunities for new guests to connect to housing solutions.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

We have many ways for individuals and groups to volunteer with us. Please visit our Volunteer and Donation Opportunities page.

We also receive donations and support from Friends of Boston's Homeless. Friends of Boston’s Homeless is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. They help develop and support innovative, solution-oriented programs. These programs help the homeless move beyond shelter and back into the community. They increase public awareness and understanding of the realities of homelessness.

For more information, please visit www.fobh.org.