MAKING A
I
t all started on July 12, 2007. My mother and I were waiting for moving trucks, but to be honest I still didn’t know where they were taking our things. All I knew was we had lived at this address for ten years, but the landlord all of a sudden wanted us out. For the past few months the landlady had been telling us this was going to be our last month. But then she took the money and we didn’t hear from her again until the next month when she told us the same thing. Finally my mother, strong woman that she is, said ‘enough of this’ and started making arrangements to move. But we didn’t have any where to go. My mother suggested I look for an apartment, but how could I afford that when I was paying car insurance for both of us? So we started looking at shelters. I’m so scared at this point thinking that our next shelter placement was going to be at some “East Cupcake City” shelter where we don’t know a soul. But to my surprise the housing people said they had found us a shelter in Field’s Corner. I didn’t even know they had shelters so close. When we got there I noticed the building looked an awful lot like a church, I thought: ‘good because I’m going to need God to get through this.’ The first person I met was a staff member who told me that the residents had just left to go to Canobie Lake, but Lillian would be available soon to talk with me. “What a pleasant lady,” I thought, especially since the first thing she said to me was how she was hoping we would arrive early so we could go to the park with everyone else. WOW! I didn’t even know her, or anyone else there, and already she was making me feel right at home, like part of the family. We may have missed the trip but I was glad because
HOME Every individual deserves a home. For many, financial struggles are only one of many circumstances that lead to the loss of their home. We’re here to help families and individuals work toward the goal of getting back under their own roof, and we offer a variety of temporary shelters as well as permanent supportive residences until that day comes. We also understand that with varying circumstances there are also varying needs. Our shelters meet several specific needs, including those for young mothers, parents struggling with sobriety, medical issues, or families that are in transition. Some of our shelters support whole families, while others are single-gender. All of our shelters are staffed by trained men and women who help guide each resident through their path to self-sufficiency and independent living.
RENEE’S STORY
Housing Brigid’s Crossing Brigid’s Crossing serves young mothers primarily between the ages of 16 and 21 who come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. For nearly 10 years, the program has helped almost 150 families learn the value of responsibility and independence while helping them achieve personal goals. Once settled into Brigid’s Crossing, teens receive services which may include individual therapy and group counseling, family assessment and case management, medical care, pregnancy prevention education, parenting and life skills training, help in acquiring a high school diploma or GED, and employment training. Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities (978) 454-0081 CROSSINGS | www.ccab.org | 40
it gave me time to get to know the staff. Everyday at St. Ambrose was a blessing for me and my son. Taking a teenager out of his element is hard, but before we went to the shelter I explained to him why we had to move and that it was only for a short time. (At least that’s what I hoped!) When we had a holiday dinner, the priest from next door blessed our food – what a beautiful experience that was. And every week there were volunteers from a college that helped the kids with their homework. St. Ambrose also had adult classes on health issues and personal care, which really made me feel like they cared about us. They made sure the kids got enough to eat and helped us stick to a schedule. I also really liked the fact that at St. Ambrose the rooms were private, not a room full of beds and strangers like I imagined.
Genesis II Genesis II is a 22-bed family treatment shelter, which provides homeless mothers and fathers struggling to maintain sobriety with inpatient treatment without them having to place their children in foster care. Residents also receive assistance with housing, parenting skills, job readiness skills, budgeting, household management, nutritional planning, and medical care. A full-time case manager and a full-time family life advocate work with residents on the implementation of an individual/family treatment plan that includes intensive substance abuse counseling and attendance at self-help groups. Mental health treatment also is available. Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 332-9905
Nazareth Residence for Mothers and Children Nazareth Residence provides an opportunity for families to begin rebuilding their lives. Families served are homeless mothers and their children. Families are able to maintain their independence while they transition to permanent housing. The community-like atmosphere, supportive services, and 24-hour staffing create a safe and secure environment for life and living. Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 541-0100 Robert McBride House The Robert McBride House is a 17-unit apartment building for individuals and families. This affordable, permanent housing is designed for independent living and is enhanced by a common
A thank you to St. Ambrose
I spent six months in housing assistance, filling out over 25 housing applications and visits to the housing assistance office. It was hard work but I prayed to God, “please don’t let our family spend Christmas in a shelter this year.” Then, on Dec. 14 my prayers were answered, an apartment in Woburn was ready for us. I didn’t know where Woburn even was, but I knew I’d find out soon enough! What a wonderful shelter, full of love and even food. Thank you, St. Ambrose.
6,636 The number of men, women,
22% The increase in families in
85% The increase of homeless
and children homeless in Massachusetts. A 4% increase over the year before.
domestic violence shelters and transitional programs compared to the previous year.
women since 2006.
living room, kitchen, dining area, and community room. A wide range of services is available to support the needs of the residents. Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 236-8319 Seton Manor Seton Manor provides supportive housing services for 19 homeless, single men and women. It provides individual bedrooms with congregate areas for dining and leisure and 24-hour staff coverage. Seton Manor is a home, not an institution. The home is non-restrictive, relatively unstructured, and takes into account each resident’s dignity, right to privacy, self-determination, and independence. It offers a family of caring relationships with other residents, staff, and volunteers.
Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 277-7133 St. Ambrose Family Shelter The goal of St. Ambrose Family Shelter is to provide shelter, support, and hope for homeless families in transition. First and foremost, families’ basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are met. Household chores are shared by all residents and group dinners are planned and prepared on a rotating schedule. All families are referred to St. Ambrose by the Department of Transitional Assistance. While at the shelter, families are prepared for successful and independent living through formal education and practical skills training. Through referrals to local GED-preparation courses and tutoring provided by staff and volunteers, parents are encouraged in their efforts to further their education. Residents also receive
From the Mayor’s annual census report on homeless populations of Boston
life-skills training in practical areas such as parenting, family planning, and budgeting. Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 288-7675 St. Patrick’s Shelter for Homeless Women St. Patrick’s Shelter for Homeless Women houses 30 women in emergency beds on a night-by-night basis as well as 10 transitional program participants each night. In addition to breakfast and dinner, the women are provided with referrals for health care, mental health services, and housing. A host of supportive and educational services are available to help families move toward a better future. Catholic Charities Greater Boston (617) 268-3015
41 | CROSSINGS | www.ccab.org