Project RISE is a collaboration of the Institute for Health and Recovery to expand and strengthen access to treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders (mental health and/or trauma) for homeless families temporarily housed in Department of Transitional Assistance emergency family shelters in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Framingham, Central and Western Mass.

Project RISE’s Family Care Coordinators provide outreach to English and Spanish speaking families who are “at risk” for substance abuse, mental health, and trauma. While working with families to decrease the stress in their lives the Family Care Coordinators screen for substance use/co-occurring disorders which may also include, mental health, trauma and interpersonal violence issues. The Family Care Coordinators engage families through building trust and a working alliance to understand the complex issues that may be undermining housing and work stability, and family preservation. The staff also provide technical assistance and consultation to local shelter staff and Department of Transitional Assistance workers on identification, intervention, treatment, relapse and recovery of substance use/co-occurring disorders, mental health and trauma/violence issues. Each year, services are provided to approximately 1000 sheltered families; and will provide support as needed to participating families for up to three months post shelter stay. 

Project RISE is staffed by a part-time master’s level Project Director, full-time master’s level Clinical Supervisor, and ten full time Family Care Coordinators. The Family Care Coordinators are bachelors and master’s level staff with clinical experience and knowledge of homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, trauma, and integrated service delivery for co-occurring disorders. The Family Care Coordinators provide care coordination services related to substance use/co-occurring disorders and other health-related issues.  The Family Care Coordinators conduct a family-based assessment that includes substance use/abuse, mental health and trauma assessments and refer clients to appropriate treatment, including family and children’s services, as needed. 

The main project office is sited at the Institute for Health and Recovery in Cambridge, MA. Institute for Health and Recovery is a statewide organization committed to developing family-centered, culturally competent, trauma-informed models of prevention and treatment addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, mental health issues and violence.

For more information, please contact Susan Dargon-Hart LICSW, Project Director: 617-661-3991.