| Congregate Family Shelter |
A group shelter generally set in a large house, which shelters several
families at a time. All family members live in one bedroom (larger
families might occupy 2 rooms) and have access to common living areas
and cooking facilities. |
Staff is on-site, 24 hours/day, 7 days/ week. Family life/ case
management staff members help families develop goals and link them
services. Most shelters provide one meal /day, some provide more.
Other services vary from shelter to shelter (e.g. some provide day
care services and play groups.) |
Housing search services are provided by Housing Assistance Program
staff under a separate contract with DTA. |
760 spaces in traditional congregate family shelters.
104 spaces in specialized shelter programs (e.g. transitional
housing and family substance abuse shelters). |
Average cost for traditional family shelters = $121/night/room.Average
cost for substance abuse shelters = $135/ night, and $94/night for
other specialized shelter programs. |
| Scattered-Site Shelter |
Apartment based shelter, in which, non-profit agency leases apartment
for use as emergency shelter. Only one family is placed in each apartment. |
Staff is based off-site but meets weekly with families to provide
services. Staffing includes family life/ case management staff that
help families develop goals and link to services and housing search
workers. |
The scattered-site provider is obligated to provide housing search
services as part of their contract with DTA. |
232 units serving the same number of families. |
Average cost = $87/night/ family unit. |
| Motel Placements |
Used as a last resort when all other shelter spaces are full. All
family members stay in one room (larger families might occupy 2 rooms).
DTA contracts with motel providers throughout Massachusetts. Most
motel placements are outside of Boston. |
Few, if any on-site services. Limited services provided by DTA caseworkers
and DPH FOR Families staff who visit several of the largest motels.
Most rooms lack necessities such as refrigerators and microwaves.
Most motels lack access to public transportation and are located on
busy highways. |
Housing search services are provided by Housing Assistance Program
staff under a separate contract with DTA. Under new procedures, a
family’s DTA case is transferred from their home community to
the DTA office serving the motel’s geographic area after 30
days in the motel. |
At the end of March 2004, 266 families per night were being sheltered
in motels. |
Average cost = $105 per family/night. |
