Catholic Charities Family Shelter
Our Service Model
The family shelter, subcontracted through Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Inc., provides temporary emergency shelter when circumstances resulting in homelessness cannot be avoided. We support families with a combination of case management and direct service, provided in an environment that affirms the dignity of the individuals being served. Both one and two-parent families are welcome. Families are referred to our agency through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and represent different towns and cities. Every family completes an assessment that helps us to address their immediate needs and move towards self-sufficiency.
Each family has their own room and shares the following common areas: kitchen, bathroom, living room, playroom, and outdoor recreational areas. In addition, parents will need to cook their own meals and participate in chores to maintain the facility.
Families have access to the following resources on site:
HOUSING SEARCH
We work with families to find affordable housing.
FOOD PANTRY
Through our pantry, families can access items if they’re waiting for their benefits to begin or are running low on SNAP.
HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Through donations, we maintain items for families that are new to the shelter or are having trouble affording items.
HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
During Christmas, we work with area organizations and churches that
donate toys and gifts.
HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN
Each week, volunteers engage with the children reading and other fun activities.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Once a month, birthday parties are put on for the children by volunteers.
WORCESTER FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
Staff come in and engage parents and children in activities focusing on literacy.
Ongoing Case Management
We work with parents to assess housing and social service needs. Acting as advocates for families, we help guests identify and access resources and supports they will need to achieve permanent housing in the community. Families may elect to continue aftercare services following relocation to help prevent a recurrence of the crisis that caused their initial homelessness.
Parents and children are referred to the following resources:
- Financial Literacy and Budget Training
- HiSet (High School Equivalency) Classes
- Vocational Training
- Positive Parenting Classes
- Behavioral Health Counseling
- Job Search and Resume Preparation
- Child Care
- POWER Programs