Dear Friend of IHR,

Thank you for your continued support of our work with individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma. Many of our clients also struggle with homelessness, as the cost of housing in the Commonwealth rises and availability decreases.

Events this fall demonstrate that family homelessness in Massachusetts has reached a crisis level, and the state is no longer able to shelter homeless families. Headlines in the Boston Globe reiterate the dire situation:

“Pregnant women face a desperate scramble in family shelter crisis” (Oct. 25)

“Months after request, Mass. Lawmakers to vote on funding for emergency shelters. But they won’t say how much they’ll authorize.” (Nov. 6)

At this distressing time, we want to share the hopeful message that IHR’s Project RISE has provided. For the past five years, RISE has supported homeless families on the North Shore with crucial counseling and has worked closely with family shelters on facilitating access to permanent housing.

After six months in the program, 60% of RISE participants had attained stable housing, compared to 19% housed at intake. And, after six months, 46% of RISE participants were employed full or part time, compared to 24% at intake.

RISE is only one of IHR’s programs across the state wrestling with the issue of homelessness, often correlated with substance use and mental health issues. IHR’s Family Engagement Project, the Women and Family Referral Center, and Moms Do Care sites engage with homeless families on a regular basis.

IHR does not give up. In these uncertain and often isolating times, we continue our efforts to reach out to clients, supporting them in the face of stigma, addressing their mental health challenges, and helping them find concrete resources.

Katharine Thomas
Executive Director, IHR