Providing Solutions to Homelessness

Founded in 1987, the Friends of Boston’s Homeless is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation that works in partnership with Homeless Services of the Boston Public Health Commission to develop and fund innovative, solution-oriented programs to help the homeless move beyond shelter and back into the community as independent citizens. In addition, through advocacy and education, the Friends seeks to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the plight of the homeless.

The Friends serves to bridge the gap between public sector funding and the current needs of the homeless by providing a vehicle for individuals, businesses, foundations and charitable organizations to be a part of the solution to homelessness.

The Homeless Services network provides basic shelter (bed, shower, food), comprehensive supportive services (health and mental health care, case management, substance abuse treatment and counseling), and, in partnership with Friends of Boston’s Homeless, transitional programs like job training and employment services, adult education and literacy, life skills development, and transitional and permanent affordable housing. Shelters associated with Homeless Services include Long Island Shelter (located in Boston Harbor) and Woods Mullen Shelter in the South End.

The Friends of Boston’s Homeless functions as the fundraising and public relations arm for the transitional programs run by Homeless Services. In addition, the Friends provides technical assistance and expertise in the development of new transitional programs and on-going improvement of existing programs to ensure the current and changing needs of the homeless are met.

In partnership with Homeless Services, the Friends of Boston’s Homeless programs now help over 150 homeless men and women each year move beyond shelter and back into the community with an education, gainful employment and permanent housing. The partnership is one of the largest providers of homeless services in New England.