The Homeless Services bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission operates three permanent housing programs. All three are for single adults and provide one-on-one case management, substance abuse counseling, and referrals for case employment assistance and health care. The desired length of sobriety is six or more months and applicants must be employment or benefit eligible.
The Wise Street Men’s Recovery Home provides housing for men coming from shelters, transitional housing, or other residential programs who are seeking to return to living in the community. The house offers single-room occupancy with shared kitchen facilities in a supportive substance free environment.
Valentine Street is a housing program for women who are seeking a recovery-oriented environment. The program is supported by project-based Section 8 subsidies administered by the Boston Housing Authority. The ultimate goals for residents are family reunification, increased life skills, and greater independence to increase self-sufficiency.
Porter Apartments offers six one-bedroom permanent apartments for homeless men and women. There is also meeting space and offices for private counseling and case management services. The apartments are supported through project-based Section 8 subsidies administered by the Boston Housing Authority.
For more information about any of the above programs, including referral procedures, please see the Programs’ individual information below.
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WISE STREET MEN'S RECOVERY HOME |
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The Wise Street Transitional Recovery Home was opened in 1990 as the first in a series of housing initiatives to help homeless individuals move beyond the emergency shelter and return to the community. The house offers single-room occupancy (SRO) units along with a shared kitchen and living room area for eight men. Residents may stay from six months to two years.
The goal of the Wise Street Recovery Homes is to provide a supportive and substance-free community that offers services to help residents with the goal of obtaining permanent housing. It is designed to assist formerly homeless men in recovery with developing the skills necessary to function independently.
Admission Requirements
- Homeless men over 18 years of age who are sober and desire the structure and support of a transitional living program
- Must be employed or in school and have an income
- Desired length of recovery is approximately six months
- $120 security deposit, plus first week’s program fee, which is 30 percent of the individual’s gross monthly income
- Willing to work toward achieving housing independence within a two-year period
Services Available
- Individual case management and counseling
- Weekly house meeting
- Substance abuse services
- Live-in resident management
- Referrals for health care, employment assistance and housing search
- Support with legal issues
For referral information or an application please call the Wise St. Program Director or Administrator at (617) 524-5967.
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VALENTINE STREET HOUSING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN |
| The Valentine Street Housing Program is a seven room alcohol and drug-free housing program for women. This program is supported through project-based Section 8 subsidies administered by the Boston Housing Authority. The residence consists of seven private bedrooms, a large common living room, dining room and kitchen, as well as a completely finished basement that may be used for meetings or recreation.
The goal of Valentine Street is to bridge the gap in the continuum of care for homeless women in Boston who are in recovery. Valentine Street provides subsidized, sober, supportive housing, helping women transition out of emergency shelters, recovery homes or other transitional living programs. This program will provide the residents with the opportunity to develop the additional skills, incomes and stability needed to become self-sufficient. The ultimate goal is to help residents reunite with their families, gain life skills, prevent relapse, and attain the self-esteem needed to go forward and enjoy a successful life.
For referral information or an application please call the Valentine Street Coordinator at (617) 442-5239.
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PORTER APARTMENTS |
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The Porter Apartments, opened in 2003, offer six spacious one-bedroom apartments for homeless men and women in recovery. In addition to the apartment units, there is a common area that provides meeting space, offices for private counseling and case management services. The apartments are supported through project-based Section 8 housing subsidies administered by the Boston Housing Authority. The Porter Apartments provide permanent low-income housing. Residents are offered case management services, support in their recovery and assistance with the development of life skills.
For referral information or an application, please call the Porter Street Coordinator at (617) 442-5239
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