Providing Solutions to Homelessness

Founded in 1987, Friends of Boston’s Homeless is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation working in a unique public/private partnership with Boston Public Health Commission Homeless Services to develop and support 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, Friends seeks to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the realities of homelessness.

Like a Parent/Teach Organization or a friends of a public library group, 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 including job training and work experience, adult education and literacy, employment services, life skills development, and transitional and permanent affordable housing. Shelters associated with Homeless Services include Long Island Shelter (located on Boston Harbor) and Woods Mullen Shelter in the South End.

Friends of Boston’s Homeless functions as the fund raising for the transitional programs run by Homeless Services. In addition, Friends provides technical assistance, expertise and support 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.

Friends of Boston’s Homeless/Homeless Services programs now help over 200 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.