How We Help

MHSA’s advocacy to end homelessness is focused on dramatically reducing the Commonwealth’s costly reliance on emergency resources and increasing recognition of the critical role of housing in the health of individuals and communities. Our data-driven reporting and analysis, deep policy expertise and unique understanding of statewide trends and national best practices have made us the leading voice in Massachusetts advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness.

MHSA draws on the expertise and on-the-ground presence of our network of almost 100 member agencies to shape our statewide vision for permanent housing solutions to homelessness. From the State House to local community planning efforts, we help our member agencies amplify their voices with public officials to inform better policy.

MHSA has introduced some of the most innovative programs for ending homelessness in the country. We administer over 1,000 permanent, transitional and emergency shelter beds/units in more than 30 cities and towns across Massachusetts. Some of our signature programs, including Home and Healthy for Good and Pay for Success, have received national recognition for their impacts in demonstrably reducing homelessness. From permanent supportive housing to first-of-a-kind utilization of Medicaid payments for support services, we are demonstrating that solutions to homelessness exist today.

MHSA is the leader in bringing Housing First to Massachusetts, an approach that provides the most vulnerable individuals with stable housing and the support services they urgently need.

Emergency shelters are expensive short-term interventions, not solutions. Through improved coordination and data-driven planning, more communities across Massachusetts are moving from emergency shelters to more effective and longer-term solutions that are proven to end homelessness.