BOSTON – Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Director General Scott Rice announced on Tuesday that the state has partnered with the United Way of Massachusetts to assist in battling homelessness as emergency shelters reach capacity.
The partnership will create a $5 million grant program to fund community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and volunteer organizations to stand up short-term, overnight shelter sites. The United Way will administer the program. The program will support overnight safety-net shelter for families and pregnant individuals with no alternative shelter options. Community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and volunteer organizations will be able to apply for funding
“Massachusetts is in a new phase of managing our emergency shelter system, and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of families,” said General Scott Rice. “We are grateful for this partnership with the United Way and hope that our community partners take advantage of this financial support to stand up safety net shelter sites in this time of great need.”
This grant program is being supported by existing federal funds targeted at innovative housing and shelter initiatives. More information will be made available by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay for organizations looking to apply.
The United Way Migrant Relief Fund also supports the essential needs of migrant families, including temporary accommodations, food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, transportation, health screenings, translation services, ESOL classes and legal assistance.
