Homes For Families Inc

Programs: Advocacy, information and referralpolicy advocacygoals of the policy advocacy initiatives are to educate policy makers about solutions to homelessness and to increase resources, change policies, and maintain past gains to prevent and reduce homelessness and increase economic mobility in the commonwealth. Activities include: meeting with legislators and policy makers, providing testimony, organizing advocacy events, meeting with other advocacy groups and providing information to legislators. Community organizingthe organization aims to foster a culture of consumer driven programming, solution-focused policy advocacy and civic engagement within the family shelter community. Community organizing activities help to educate and engage the broader community about the realities of, and solutions to, family homelessness. Activities include: visioning day, forums, events, community meetings, social media, and electronic communication to members, speaking engagements and working with the media. Leadership developmentleadership development initiatives function to increase the capacity of families who have experienced homelessness and shelter providers to become involved in the community and in the movement to end homelessness. The leadership development program supports families to be advocates and have their voice, experience and ideas heard by policy makers. Activities include: workshops and trainings, ongoing committees and groups, internships and mentoring. Research/evaluation/technical assistanceresearch and evaluation efforts increase the organization's understanding of the complex issues relative to family homelessness to enhance the effectiveness of their advocacy and support the development of best practices and policies. The organization provides technical assistance to member agencies, other organizations and state agencies in implementing best practices and enhancing their work relative to consumer engagement, public policy, and general understanding of family homelessness. Activities include: literature review, surveys, focus groups, interviews, data analysis, trainings, and consultations. Information and referralthe organization provides state-wide phone referrals to homeless and at risk families trying to access housing, shelter, benefits and services. Specifically for the city of boston (the city), the organization administers the family side of a vacancy clearinghouse linking homeless families in shelters to apartments that are set-aside by the city for homeless families and individuals. In addition, the organization partners with other agencies to provide direct assistance to prevent homelessness.

direct assistance from time to time is provided to the agency for direct distribution to individuals in emergency situations.