Boston Housing: Facts and Resources

Editor’s note: This resource was updated with the most recent research in May 2022.

Boston Housing: Data & Resource Guide

by Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Housing remains a critical and controversial community issue in Boston.

In the “Boston Housing Facts and Resources” guide below, we have compiled a list of resources with the latest information on housing data and plans, demographics, innovative models, organizations working in housing-related justice, and the mayor's Housing Innovation Lab.

Boston Housing Facts and Resources

Basic Facts

• Total number of housing units in Boston: 301,702 (2020 Decennial Census)

• Occupied units: 91.5% (276,057)

• Vacant units: 8.5% (25,645)

• Rental vacancy rate: less than 3%

• Owner-occupied units in Boston: 96,502 (35.3%) (2016-2020 ACS 5 yr. est)

• Renter-occupied units in Boston: 176,686 (64.7%) (2016-2020 ACS 5 yr. est)

• Over 50% of Boston housing units were built in 1939 or earlier.

• The percentage of owner-occupied housing increased from 33% in 2012 to 35.3% in 2020.

• BPDA Board Approved Projects in 2021

  • Number of new Residential Units: 6,555

  • Number of new On-site Income Restricted Housing Units: 2,366

• In Boston, the median owner-occupied home value was $581,000 in 2020, up from $395,000 in 2010 — an increase of $186,000.

• In Greater Boston in April 2022, the median price for a single-family home hit $845,000, and the median price for a condo rose to $716,500, according to the Greater Boston Association of Realtors.

• In Massachusetts, prices of single-family homes increased 28% between 2019 and 2021. (Kara Miller, Boston Globe, 12 May 2022).

• Over 40% of renters pay more than 35% of their household income for gross rent.

Boston Housing Authority (BHA)

• Kate Bennett, administrator

• (617) 988-4000

“In total, BHA currently owns and/or oversees approximately 12,623 rental units of public housing in Boston and houses more than 25,000 people under the public housing program. BHA owns 63 housing developments. Of the 63 developments, 36 are designated as elderly/disabled developments and 27 are designated as family developments. Three of the 27 family developments have elderly/disabled housing on site and one of the elderly developments has designated units for families.

In addition to housing developments, BHA administers approximately 11,469 rental assistance vouchers, otherwise known as Tenant-Based Section 8 vouchers, that allow families to rent in the private market and apply a subsidy to their rent. A similar state program assists an additional 700 households. With this assistance, residents are able to pay approximately 30-40 percent of their income toward rent, and BHA pays the remainder. BHA helps provide housing to approximately 29,000 people under these programs. In addition, BHA provides subsidies to more than 2,100 households under its Section 8 Project-Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation programs as well.”

Overall, the BHA is involved in assisting almost 60,000 people.

Finding Affordable Housing

The City of Boston website listing new and existing affordable housing units also has the link to sign up for the MetroList through which you can receive up-to-date information on new housing opportunities as well as housing programs and events. Some other resources for finding housing include the following Boston City webpages:

• www.bostonplans.org/housing/finding-housing

• www.bostonplans.org/housing/finding-housing/more-housing-resources

Resources

The Boston Foundation

The 2021 Greater Boston Housing Report Card recommends:

• Build on recent legislative momentum around zoning and housing production by legalizing small-scale multifamily housing and expanding the mandate for multifamily zoning in MBTA communities.

• Improve the quality and frequency of transit service, both to better serve transit-dependent populations and to better support new or planned housing development.

• Advance housing equity by making local inclusionary zoning policies more universal and more effective and by advancing state and local policies that limit displacement.

• Advance building techniques and strategies with great potential to reduce housing production costs.

City of Boston

Housing Boston 2030

Released in 2014, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 was former Mayor Marty Walsh’s original housing plan.

Housing Boston 2030: 2018 Update

By 2018, the original 2014 Housing plan was revised to account for the greater population growth that was being projected by 2018 and thus a need for even more new housing.

2020 Annual Report for HOUSING BOSTON 2030

According to the report, 3,300 new housing units were permitted in 2020, which included 1,023 income-restricted units.

In 2019, 40,933 students were living on campus or in university-provided housing, 9,917 lived off-campus in their family home, and 36,288 lived off-campus and not at home. 5,245 new beds were completed or were in the process of being built by 2020.

Quarterly Housing Progress reports on Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030

• Boston 2030 includes quarterly reports for 2015 through 2018.

City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development

• 26 Court St., 8th & 9th Floors, Boston, MA 02108-2501

• neigborhooddevelopment.dnd@cityofboston.gov

• 617-635-3880

• The Department of Neighborhood Development works with communities to improve Boston’s neighborhoods through investing public resources. Its main jobs are to create housing options, support tenants, foster homeownership, end homelessness, and manage the City’s real estate.

Imagine Boston 2030 Housing Goals

• General goal: Reduce housing cost burden for Bostonians.

  • Decrease portion of low- and middle-income households that are severely housing-cost burdened.

• Initiatives to encourage housing production, increase affordable housing options, and reduce displacement. The city seeks to:

  • Work to increase overall housing supply.

  • Deploy a suite of tools to support the preservation of affordable housing citywide.

  • Pursue policies that encourage the production and maintenance of deed-restricted low-, moderate-, and middle-income housing.

  • Aspire to higher levels of affordability in geographies where this is feasible.

  • Stabilize housing and reduce displacement. (The City established the Office of Housing Stability to prevent evictions, foreclosures, and displacement.)

  • Partner with neighboring municipalities to identify and consider regional solutions to housing challenges.

  • Support homeownership by: › Assisting moderate- and middle-income Bostonians to purchase and maintain their first home through a variety of homebuyer and homeowner programs including prioritizing pathways to homeownership for tenants.

Community Preservation Act

A significant amount of money is now available from this tax supplement.

• Thadine Brown, director, THADINE.BROWN@BOSTON.GOV

• 617-635-0545

Churches may apply for Community Preservation Funds (with some limitations). Examples: Charles St. AME, Roxbury Presbyterian, and Second Church in Dorchester. Grants will be made available for three types of initiatives or projects:

1. Affordable housing

2. Historic preservation

3. Parks, outdoor recreation, and open spaces

The Mayor’s Housing Innovation Lab

It seeks to increase housing affordability by testing innovative housing models and accelerating the pace of innovation in the housing sector.

• 26 Court St., 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02108-2501

• HOUSINGILAB@BOSTON.GOV

• 617-635-0259

Projects of the Housing Innovation Lab:

1. Plugin House Initiative: The Plugin House demonstrates the possibilities of backyard homes and smaller living to provide housing affordable to all.

2. Housing with Public Assets: Could building housing on top of, or next to, city buildings, such as libraries and community centers, benefit our communities?

3. Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot: We’re offering affordable housing to graduate students while helping local homeowners and communities. This plan aims to encourage age-friendly development in the City. We’re also exploring different housing options in communities through a “Homeshare” network. This network matches older homeowners with extra rooms to rent to people who need to rent a room. This uses the Nesterly housing app.

4. Additional Dwelling Unit Pilot: This pilot program seeks to streamline the process for homeowners looking to create an additional unit. This 18-month pilot program allows owner occupants in East Boston, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain to carve out space within their homes to create smaller, independent units, known as Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). The program aims to help homeowners take advantage of the existing space in their homes, which can help people age in place and prevent displacement.

5. Urban Housing Unit Roadshow: Through our interactive exhibit, we heard from the Boston community about what they think about compact-size living units. The Urban Housing Unit was a compact apartment on wheels. The Housing Innovation Lab took it from downtown Boston to Roslindale, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, and East Boston. The 385 square-foot, one-bedroom unit was modular and fully furnished. Evidence shows that smaller, modular units can be built much cheaper than traditional housing.

6. Housing Innovation Competition: The Lab asked development teams to propose innovative compact living designs. The goal of the competition was to show that small, affordable family units are feasible. The competition took place from November 2016 to June 2017. This wasn’t just an ideas competition. The subjects of the competition were five city-owned properties in the Garrison Trotter neighborhood in Roxbury. The winning proposals in the competition would be built there.

7. Density Bonus Pilot Program: This pilot initiative allowed developers in the program to increase the height or floor area of their units. In exchange, they would restrict the income on a percentage of their residential units. The City created new density bonus zoning for the Strategic Planning Areas of PLAN: JP/Rox and PLAN: Dot Ave. This seeks to increase the number of affordable housing units.

8. Simplifying the Homebuying Process: After research with recent first-time homebuyers, the Housing Innovation Lab developed a framework to better support first-time buyers through the complex process. This framework keeps in mind the unique paths different individuals take in buying a house. The results were put into use by the Boston Home Center.

The Boston Home Center

• 26 Court St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

• 617-635-4663

The Boston Home Center is the City’s one-stop-shop for homebuyers and homeowners. The Boston Home Center helps Boston residents purchase, improve, and keep their homes. We offer training, financial help, and counseling to first-time homebuyers, guidance and funding for homeowners for home improvements, and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure. The Home Center also markets homes developed for income-eligible, first-time homebuyers. The website also has information on current home-buying lottery drawings for income-eligible families.

Other Organizations

Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust

• 550 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA 02119

• (617) 237-6015

• Meridith Levy, executive director, mlevy@bnclt.org

Mission: “Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust works to combat displacement and racial injustice by creating permanently affordable, community-controlled housing in the Boston area, with a specific geographic focus on Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. BNCLT builds neighborhood stability, housing equity, and community strength among low- and moderate-income residents most at risk of displacement; and through the collective strength of partners working toward a shared, equitable, and just future.”

Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA)

• 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester MA 02124

• 617-822-9100

• Symone Crawford, executive director

MAHA’s mission is to educate and mobilize to increase affordable homeownership opportunities, break down barriers facing first-time and first-generation homebuyers, and close the racial-wealth and homeownership gaps.

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)

• 160 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110

• 617-330-9955; Toll-Free 877-MHP-FUND

A statewide public nonprofit affordable housing organization that works in concert with the Governor and the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to help increase the supply of affordable housing in Massachusetts.

See also the MHP One Mortgage Program.

Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC)

• 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111

• 617-933-0700

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston. Its mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Its regional plan, MetroFuture, guides its work as it engages the public in responsible stewardship of the region’s future.

MAPC recently released a new long-range regional plan for Greater Boston, called MetroCommon 2050.

The housing chapter of this plan recommends these goals:

Homes for Everyone

• Ensure that people of all races and income levels have equal access to affordable housing through homeownership and rental opportunities.

• Ensure adequate protections against displacement for communities and residents of color, low-income communities, and renters.

• Accelerate the production of diverse housing types, particularly deed-restricted affordable housing, throughout the region.

The Planning Council produced an influential report on projected population and housing trends: Reardon, Tim, and Meghna Hari. “Population and Housing Demand Projections for MetroBoston,” 2014.

“To help the region and its communities plan for a changing and uncertain future, MAPC has prepared projections of population change, household growth, and housing demand for Metro Boston and its municipalities. ... More than 400,000 new housing units — mostly multifamily, and mostly in urban areas — will be needed by the year 2040 if the region is to keep growing its economic base.”

Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP)

This city policy requires that developers of buildings with 10 or more units seeking zoning relief or building on City of Boston-owned land set aside a percentage of their units as affordable to moderate- to middle-income households. The IDP leverages resources from the strong private housing market to build or finance affordable housing. Any proposed residential development of 10 or more units that is either (1) financed by the city, (2) on property owned by the city or BPDA/BRA, or (3) that requires zoning relief must designate 13% of the total number of units on-site as affordable units. The developer may meet the requirement under certain conditions with special approvals by a financial contribution to the IDP Fund. Another alternative allows the developer to create new affordable units separate from but within the vicinity (within one-half mile) of the project in an amount equal to or greater than 18% of the total number of units.

The term that units will remain affordable is generally 30 years with the city’s right to extend that another 20 years. The policy contains various details defining affordability and financial details for three zones of the city (Zone A: downtown; Zone B: middle zone; and Zone C: outer neighborhoods). In general, affordability is calculated on percentages of income compared to the Area Median Income (AMI).

Over the life of the program, developers have directly created 2,599 income-restricted units, and IDP funds have created 1,414 income-restricted units. Thus, the IDP policy has resulted in 4,013 income-restricted housing units in Boston. If the restricted units have higher percentages of the AMI, they may still not be affordable to some lower-income residents.

Habitat for Humanity, Greater Boston

• 240 Commercial St., 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

• (617) 423-2223

• James Kostaras, president and CEO

• volunteers@habitatboston.org

Retail Outlet: ReStore (Habitat’s Donation and Home Improvement Outlet store)

• 1580 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA, 02132

• 617-327-1170

• ReStore@habitatboston.org

A faith-based, charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to building simple low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity believes homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and contributes to pride in families and communities.

Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. They bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope by revitalizing neighborhoods, building sustainable and affordable housing solutions, and empowering families through successful homeownership.

Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money, land, and materials, Habitat Greater Boston builds simple, decent houses. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to partner, and ability to repay a mortgage. They complete 300 hours of sweat equity by helping to construct their future home or working in other capacities alongside staff, volunteers, and sponsors. They also participate in homeowner education classes, like financial management and estate planning. Qualified families purchase Habitat homes with no down payment and pay an interest-free mortgage to Habitat, which enables them to afford owning their own home.

Habitat’s ReStore Outlet receives donations and either uses them in the homes they build or resells them at 50-70% off retail to the general public. These items include building and construction materials, home furnishings, and appliances, etc. Sales help fund new homes.

Habitat Greater Boston is a participant in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. They are taking a holistic approach to creating change in our neighborhoods that have the greatest need for stability. This means joining residents, nonprofits, businesses and local government to discover what is needed most in a neighborhood, and helping to implement a shared vision of revitalization. Our focus neighborhood is Codman Square in Dorchester. They have partnered with the Codman Square Neighborhood Council to identify important ways to improve the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Habitat has mobilized volunteers and future homeowners to build homes in Dorchester, Roxbury, Roslindale, South Boston, Mission Hill, and other communities. Although they only work on a few projects each year, they keep building year after year, resulting in many homes being built over the last 25 years with and for low-income families.

Additional Resources

• Dorchester Not For Sale

• Dudley Square Neighborhood Initiative

• Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

• Office of Housing Stability

• Reclaim Roxbury

• City Life/Vida Urbana

• BMA Tenpoint (Black Ministerial Alliance / Ten Point Coalition)

• Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Contact Rudy

Contact Rudy Mitchell

Hidden Treasures: Celebrating Refugee Stories [photojournal]

Hidden Treasures: Celebrating Refugee Stories

by the GBRM Team

Refugees are hidden treasures in our midst. At Arabic Evangelical Baptist Church in West Roxbury, the Greater Boston Refugee Ministry’s third annual fundraiser on November 18th honored refugees with a themed event, "Hidden Treasures at Home & Work".

We designed an evening where guests could encounter the richness of gifts, talents, and stories of Boston area refugees that we’re blessed to know.

Guests enjoyed catering stations hosted by refugee entrepreneurs, as well as stories, panels, and videos. Each shared activity offered new ways to explore:

• What are refugee’s life dreams?

• How can the Christian community come alongside them?

• How might the Christian community innovate to better address refugees’ needs in resettlement (i.e., housing)?

““GBRM lit the candle of hope to my world by supporting me to share my future dream. GBRM is there if you are a dreamer or a [hoper].” ”

— refugee attender

Cultural Journeys

Diverse catering stations let guests sample and learn about the cuisine and geography of refugees' countries of origin, as they captivated guests with the stories behind their food. As guests went on a cultural journey through the stations, refugee entrepreneurs also chatted about their life experiences, unique gifts, and growing businesses.

““I was struck by how talented the refugees are...and how creative! [They were] not just thinking about ‘How can I make it here?’ but ‘How can I help others?’””

— guest

This multifaceted experience was a rare learning space for guests, opening their eyes to the hidden treasures that are the refugee community. Local refugee businesses also got new exposure to people potentially interested in supporting their work.

A New Lens on Refugees

The fundraiser debuted three videos, two produced by EGC Films, and a third by Park Street Film. Saffron and The Mechanic are stories of aspiring refugee entrepreneurs. The third, Kataluma House, shares our vision for a refugee hospitality house.  

After viewing Saffron, one guest responded, “I saw a parallel between the [saffron] flower and the wealth inside—the hidden beauty.  It’s great to see the potential refugees have and the contribution they make."

These short pieces capture the essence of our work. We invite you to view them here.

Saffron, by EGC Films, 2017.

The Mechanic, by EGC Films, 2017.

Kataluma House, a Luke Zvara film, Park Street Films, 2017.

With Appreciation

We'd like to highlight the following businesses connected with the refugee community in New England. Some are refugee owned, others employ refugees. All contributed to the evening with product displays.

Carina’s Dolce

Bintimani Restaurant

Authentic Iraqi Family Food by Lubna

Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine

Beautiful Day 

Makomas 

Prosperity Candle 

Threads By Nomad

Connect with GBRM

Connect with GBRM

Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight's Collaborative Approach

Getting Ahead of Boston's Homelessness Crisis: Starlight’s Collaborative Approach

by Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell, MPH

The face of homelessness on Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston has changed. When we think about homelessness in America, we tend to think of single adult males living in a shelter, in a car or under a bridge. They may have a mental illness, or drug or alcohol addiction.

However, increasingly the single adult male is no longer the dominant face of homelessness in the Melnea Cass Boulevard area of the city. While traveling through this neighborhood on my way to work or to the airport, I have observed that the faces of the individuals congregating on the Boulevard are now younger, Caucasian and increasingly women.  

As the Director of Starlight Ministries, I am constantly asking, what can be done—what is being done—by Christian leaders in this city to eradicate the problem? What is the Church’s response to this crisis?

THE CURRENT CRISIS

Just in the past three years, the face of homelessness on Melnea Cass Boulevard has changed completely. The Woods-Mullen women's shelter on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston’s South End serves women ages 18 years or older. Their 200 beds have not met the need of an increasing number of young women sleeping on the Boulevard and the streets of the city.  

Street involvement is becoming more prevalent and severe for both women and men. On any given night in the city of Boston, the first-come-first-served overnight shelter beds are usually full or beyond capacity, leaving those who cannot be served sleeping on the streets in bags, in makeshift houses or on corners of the city’s streets.

“Families have become the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.”

In January 2016, the annual City of Boston Homeless Census counted 7,549 men, women and children sleeping in shelters, treatment centers and on the streets of Boston. What is even more startling is a recent report published by the Boston Foundation which highlights that the number of individuals in families who are homeless in Massachusetts has more than doubled in nine years to 13,000, an increase that’s among the highest in the nation.

Historically, homelessness has meant individuals living on the streets. But families have become the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, comprising nearly 40 percent nationally, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness. Children make up 60% of those who are experiencing family homelessness on any given day in Massachusetts.  

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chronic homelessness is a persistent and pervasive problem in the metro-Boston area, where limited shelter options, unemployment, and excessive rents are forcing more people onto the streets.  The housing crisis undermines the life and dignity of so many of our sisters and brothers who lack stable housing, employment and a permanent place to live.

“Christian leaders best address the homelessness crisis by building healthy community networks that relationally engage and support people affected by homelessness.”

Homelessness is a multifaceted problem—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  I recognize that the current crisis in the city of Boston poses a particular challenge for church leaders who do not have the capacity, or do not feel well-equipped, to deal with the problem.

The “no loitering” signs that recently have been posted by the city of Boston along the fences on Melnea Cass Boulevard certainly are not the answer. These are our sisters and brothers—nameless faces of women and children and men sleeping on the city streets, outcast, turned down, closed out and invisible.

What is the church’s response to this crisis?  At Starlight, we believe Christian leaders best address the homelessness crisis by building healthy community networks that relationally engage and support people affected by homelessness. 

STARLIGHT’S COLLABORATIVE MODEL

“In a partnership, each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened. ”

This past year, we at EGC’s 27-year-old Starlight Ministries have honed our approach. We began a re-learning process, identifying 30 prospective church partners that currently have outreach ministries to people who are poor or marginalized.

We were disheartened to learn, after the first 12 meetings and interviews, that many of these ministries are using a model of service—the food pantry model—that is not effectively serving people dealing with homelessness. People without housing need ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or preparation.

We believe that better cooperation amongst churches and community organizations could better serve the current need. We are now developing church and community partnerships aimed at implementing holistic approaches, sharing resources, and coordinating services.

In a partnership, each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened. Partners will jointly address the physical, spiritual, and practical needs of people in their neighborhood to foster healthy community.

Our vision is that every church and Christian group in Greater Boston who wants to engage people affected by homelessness will be equipped to do so wisely. In turn, people affected by homelessness will have more opportunities to participate in “healthy, effective communities” that can support them in transitioning out of homelessness and achieving their full potential.

Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell

Rev. Bell leads Starlight Ministries in its mission to build the capacity of Boston’s churches and leaders to create life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. She has a degree in mental health from Tufts University, a Master of Public Health from Yale, and a Master of Divinity from Harvard. From 2002 to 2008, Cynthia traveled to South Sudan with “My Sister’s Keeper,” where she participated in the redemption of more than 1,200 slaves. She is a licensed and ordained minister and serves on the ministry team of Morning Star Baptist Church in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston.

10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

10 Ways Churches Can Address Boston Homelessness Today

By Rev. Cynthia Hymes Bell

Starlight Ministries builds the capacity of churches to minister to those experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to develop relationships amongst churches and ministry groups that desire to develop mutually transformative ministries with people affected by homelessness.

Ideal partners work collaboratively not only to address the physical, spiritual, and practical needs of homeless people—they also build a healthier community. Services are coordinated effectively so that each church can find their unique contribution and no one church is overburdened.

Our target groups are church partners with existing outreach ministries or that want to launch new ministries. We pursue partnerships with churches and ministry groups aimed at achieving sustainable, relational engagement of churches with people affected by homelessness.

Starlight Ministries offers trainings opportunities, where for churches and ministry groups:

• serve alongside our staff

• develop a basic awareness about homelessness

• nurture mutually life-changing relationships that help people affected by homelessness progress through stages of change and transition out of homelessness

How can you learn more, connect and become equipped to serve the homeless?  The following is a list of  opportunities that can help you get started.

How To Get Involved

Learning Events

1. Attend a Starlight Information & Recruitment Session

We facilitate a one-hour session on the complexity of the system of homelessness and an introduction to Starlight. Following the session, leaders are invited to sign up for in-depth training and consider how their church can engage more effectively.

For in-depth training, we ask that you commit to:

• bring several lay leaders and/or clergy from your church to three subsequent training sessions

• embrace and engage in a transformational style of relationship with people affected by homelessness

• prayerfully and thoughtfully consider moving toward a long-term commitment of your church’s people and resources to launch or strengthen one or more forms of effective ministry to people affected by homelessness, customized for your church and your community

Learning Resources

2. Study Homelessness  Check out these resources that can help you understand the complexities of homelessness today:

3. Explore the Local Ministry Landscape  See what’s happening across Boston to address homelessness:

Starlight Custom Consulting

Every church community and neighborhood has unique assets and needs. Starlight offers customized training for your church or ministry group, including:

4. Site Visits  We visit your site to observe your church outreach program, and meet key leaders and ministry volunteers.

5. Listening Sessions  We listen to you to learn about your church’s specific needs and your community issues.

6. Custom Classroom and Experiential Trainings customized training for church partners are provided by request.  For committed, partnering churches, Starlight provides:

• customized classroom training on homelessness, effective engagement, and intervention principles and practices

• opportunities for your group to gain hands-on experience in effective outreach while being coached and mentored by our team of experienced staff

Giving and Fundraising

7. Donate to Starlight  Be a matching donor, lead donor, or give to the annual Starlight Ministries fundraiser.

8. Join the 2018 Walkathon  Be a sponsor, lead donor, build a team to walk and raise funds or volunteer for Starlight Ministries Spring 2018 Walkathon.

9. Hold a Fundraiser  Organize a fundraising event in your church, neighborhood or community.

10. Donate Goods  Contribute clothing, coats, shoes and other personal care items to our Resource/Drop-in center.

Cynthia Hymes Bell

Cynthia is leading Starlight Ministries in its mission to build the capacity of Boston’s churches and leaders to create life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. She has a degree in mental health from Tufts University, a Master of Public Health from Yale, and a Master of Divinity from Harvard. From 2002 to 2008, Cynthia traveled to South Sudan with “My Sister’s Keeper,” where she participated in the redemption of more than 1,200 slaves. She is a licensed and ordained minister and serves on the ministry team of Morning Star Baptist Church in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston.

Homelessness In Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Homelessness in Depth: Best Books & Local Reports

Books

Highly Recommended

Many authors present in-depth insights on all aspects of homelessness, from one woman’s personal account of homelessness to general perspectives. The first part observes changes and trends in the homeless population over the last three decades. The second part describes two contrasting program approaches, Pathways’ Housing First and Portland, Oregon’s Central City Concern with its Alcohol & Drug Free Community (ADFC) model. Later sections analyze why the US has not made more progress, with suggested pathways.

The co-authors were moved to put their faith into action and apply the Bible to the needs of their city. Although Chattanooga, TN was ranked the most “Bible minded” city by Barna and had 1,000 well attended churches, this religiosity did not seem to impact the situation of the city’s hundreds of homeless individuals. In response to these observations and their reading of the book of James, the authors started an outreach ministry which led to outdoor churches and ministries in 60 locations among homeless people in Chattanooga.

This Pulitzer and MacArthur Genius Grant winning book reveals one of the pathways leading to homelessness through the real life stories. A Boston Foundation study found that 23% of families applying for emergency shelter assistance gave the reason for their need as eviction or threatened eviction. Preventing homelessness requires an understanding of the factors and dynamics leading to housing evictions, and this book is an excellent place to start learning.

Dr. O’Connell shares stories and experiences of his work with individuals affected by homelessness in Boston. He is the founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, which now serves thousands of people each year.

 

 

Other Recommended Books

Bouma-Prediger, Steven, and Brian J. Walsh. Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2008.

This book looks at more than just the physical and socio-economic aspects of homelessness. It is a deeper book which also critiques western culture, considers other types of  “homelessness,” and reflects theologically on the concept of home.

Corbett, Steve, and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself.  New edition. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2012.

Although this book does not deal directly with homelessness, it is still relevant because it covers related issues like poverty, wealth inequality, job readiness, health, and financial education. A major part of the book deals with poverty and how some efforts to alleviate it have negative and counterproductive impacts. The authors are right in recommending Asset Based Community Development as a useful approach for long term results.

Padgett, Deborah K., Benjamin F. Henwood, and Sam J. Tsemberis. Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems, and Changing Lives. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.

This is one of the best books on the Housing First approach to ending chronic homelessness since one of the authors, Sam Tsemberis, was its originator. Housing First seeks “to provide immediate access to housing and an envelope of support services to individuals living on the streets” (viii), which is in contrast to “housing ready” or “staircase models” requiring people to meet certain requirements before moving through a progression of housing options. The book describes several approaches to address homelessness and explains the theory and history of  Housing First. It also presents research evidence supporting the approach. For example, when Boston’s Pine Street Inn tried a pilot Housing First program, 86% of the chronically homeless participants remained stably housed after one year. While there are some limitations and objections to Housing First, the approach has been influential and has brought about some systems changes.

Sharpe, Travis. 50 Practical Ways You Can Help the Homeless. Bloomington, Ind.: West Bow Press, 2017.

The practical ideas shared by Travis Sharpe are based on the author’s experience over the years. Most of these ideas are intended for helping individuals one by one in a relational context. Typical ideas include giving haircuts, shoes, snack packs, personal hygiene packs, and eating lunch with someone. Other ideas extend to help in finding a job and connecting to community resources. Although these acts of kindness do not address the deeper roots of homelessness, they are one avenue of Christian ministry that God can use. The author is the founder of an organization called Unsheltered International.

Wagner, David. Confronting Homelessness: Poverty, Politics, and the Failure of Social Policy. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012.

Reading about and listening to the life stories of individuals who are homeless is important, but understanding a historical perspective on homelessness in America is also valuable. Wagner’s book is primarily a history of efforts to reduce or end homelessness. The author covers attitudes toward those who were homeless, advocates’ protests, programs providing services, and efforts to raise money and awareness. Although the book looks briefly at some social theories, it does not focus on future solutions or policy proposals.

Yankoski, Mike. Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America. Updated and expanded edition. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Multnomah Books, 2010.

An account of the experiences of two young Christian men who spent five months living homeless on the streets in several cities across the country and the homeless individuals they meet. While no doubt this book could be critiqued on several levels, the observations and reflections of the author can still be helpful for people who have had little exposure to homelessness.

Reports

Boston Area

• 2015-2016 City of Boston Annual Homeless Census reports

• Boston’s Way Home: An Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness

  • 2015-2018 Plan (select "Find out more about our plans")

  • Update Report

• City of Cambridge 2016 Census of Persons Experiencing Homelessness

State of Massachusetts

The Boston Foundation Report on Family Homelessness. Rog, Debra J., Kathryn A. Henderson, Andrew L. Greer, Kathryn M. Kulbicki, Linda Weinreb, The Growing Challenge of Family Homelessness: Homeless Assistance for Families in Massachusetts: Trends in Use FY2008-FY2016. Boston: The Boston Foundation, 2017.

This report seeks to help the reader “understand the changes in the growth and composition of the homeless family population …and the nature of families’ experiences in the Emergency Assistance programs” (11).  It can help inform efforts to prevent and reduce family homelessness and help measure progress. The report documents family homelessness from 2008 to 2016, a period when over 33,000 families with over 100,000 individuals received shelter through the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Program (7). The study looked at how long families are staying in shelters, finding the length of stay increased from an average of 247 days in 2008 to 360 days in 2016 (8). During that period the number of families in shelters increased 93% (11), although recent data indicate a hopeful decline in 2016. Churches can directly help prevent families from becoming homeless, but they should also be aware of state assistance programs they can refer people to. This report focuses on two of these programs: (1) Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), which provides financial support and services to prevent homelessness, and (2) HomeBASE, which provides help in finding alternatives to entering a shelter or stabilization after being in a shelter.

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: Basic Facts on Homelessness in Massachusetts and Across the Country

For those who want to learn about and have a voice in policy decisions, the Coalition is a good entry point and source of current statistics and facts.

Report on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth in Massachusetts: “Massachusetts Youth Counts 2016”.

This report surveyed 502 homeless youth and provides information on where they were staying, what the reasons were for their homelessness, and the kinds of services they need. By the Massachusetts Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Monthly Reports on Family Homelessness and Emergency Assistance

 

National

2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a report to the U.S. Congress on the extent and nature of homelessness in the United States. It provides counts of people experiencing homelessness and describes their demographic characteristics and service use patterns. It has become the central resource for national data on homelessness, used by federal, state, and local policymakers to understand trends in homelessness and inform their policies. The AHAR is based on local data from Point-in-Time (PIT) counts, Housing Inventory Counts (HIC), and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS).

Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations

Boston Homelessness Ministries & Organizations

STARLIGHT MINISTRIES

Since 1990, Starlight Ministries has equipped individuals to build life-changing relationships with people affected by homelessness. Starlight trains individuals and groups in classroom settings as well as hands-on ministry venues. These opportunities provide the Church and those struggling with homelessness with effective tools for building communities where all can experience personal transformation through Jesus Christ.

Starlight develops church-community collaborations, so that each church community can find their unique contribution, and no one church is overburdened.

Boston Rescue Mission

39 Kingston House, Boston. Phone - (617) 338-9000

The Boston Rescue Mission continues to aid the homeless and poor of Greater Boston to self-sufficiency by assisting women and men in confronting and overcoming the root causes of their homelessness. To this end, the Mission provides basic life necessities such as food and shelter as well as social service programs. The goal is to provide the homeless and poor with the support, training, and resources necessary to sustain independent living for a lifetime. In addition to providing basic housing and meals, Boston Rescue Mission has a Residential Recovery Program, a Sober Living Program, an outpatient counseling center, Bible studies, and spiritual mentoring.

The Mission has many opportunities for individuals and small groups (2 to 6) of volunteers preparing and serving meals daily and on Sunday afternoons, doing maintenance, cleaning, laundry, office & computer work, manning the front desk, driving & pick-up with vans, and Saturday outreach (with food) and prayer on the Boston Common.

Home With Friends

Home With Friends is a collaborative Christian ministry which seeks to educate, encourage, and equip local churches to minister to families that are homeless by offering training, support

and mentoring opportunities. The three groups which collaborate with the Home With Friends program are Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore, Sanger Center for Compassion, and Starlight Ministries of Emmanuel Gospel Center. Lora Wooster and Sara Mitchell train and work with church teams of 8-12 people who develop a long-term (1-2 year) mentoring friendship with a family in transition, help with a rental subsidy, and offer the family their time, talents, encouragement and ongoing friendship.

If you or your church would like to get involved, call Lora Wooster at 617-939-3709 or Sara Mitchell at 617-262-4567.

Other organizations

Boston's Emergency Shelter Commission   

The Emergency Shelter Commission's mission is to coordinate the City's efforts to prevent and end homelessness and hunger through proactive planning, policy analysis, program development and advocacy with our city, state, federal and community partner agencies. The Commission's goal is to eradicate hunger and homelessness by seeking systemic solutions to these challenging socio-economic problems. The ESC coordinates a safety net of services and provides information and referral to homeless and hungry citizens in need.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless

This pioneering organization’s “mission is to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women and children in the greater Boston area. The integrated care model at BHCHP unites physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, case managers and behavioral health professionals in close collaboration. They follow patients in a variety of settings - on the streets, at the Barbara McInnis House, in our shelter-based clinics, in the hospitals and in housing - providing regular contact and uninterrupted care.”

Boston Public Health Commission

"The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission's Homeless Services Bureau is to improve the quality of life of Boston's homeless citizen's by providing emergency shelter, social services, and housing search services." - from the Homeless Services Bureau Mission Statement.  Directory of Emergency Shelters 

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge offers a comprehensive range of services for youth ages 14 to 24 in a positive and safe environment. These programs for homeless, runaway, and high-risk youth include street outreach and the Mobile Medical Van, counseling, a drop in center, education, and some residential programs.

Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness

The mission of the ICHH is to provide the forum where new strategies in support of affordable housing development and to address the issues of homelessness among all populations are formulated. These new strategies will enhance the coordination and prioritization of housing resources and services of all types in support of vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth.

Pine Street Inn

Pine Street Inn provides a comprehensive range of services, including permanent supportive housing, job training and placement, emergency shelter and street outreach to more than 1,900 homeless men and women each day. The food services training program trains 100 men and women each year for jobs in the food services industry.

Rosie’s Place

889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

Rosie’s Place offers three meals a day, a food pantry, and emergency shelter for women. The advocacy staff assist with housing, educational and employment opportunities, clothing, wellness care, transportation and emergency funds for eviction prevention and medications. It is located at 02118.  Volunteers are welcome.

St. Francis House

39 Boylston Street / Boston, Massachusetts 02116

St. Francis House is a day shelter offering a variety of services for people who are homeless. It has many volunteer opportunities. In addition to a medical clinic and counseling services, St. Francis House offers the Moving Ahead Program (MAP) which is a 14-week job- and life-skills training program   The Next Step Housing Program in their building provides single-occupancy rooms for 56 single, low-income men and women.

Women’s Lunch Place

Located on the lower level of the Church of the Covenant at 67 Newbury Street, The Women’s Lunch Place is open from Monday through Saturday from 7:00am until 2:00pm. A continental style breakfast is available from 8:00am – 10:00am, and lunch is served restaurant style at 12:00pm.  In addition to meals, classes are offered on a variety of topics including literacy, computer skills, housing and legal issues, employment, financial literacy, nutrition, and stress reduction. Health care, counseling, clothing, and personal care items are available as well.