Housing

Brigid's Crossing

Brigid’s Crossing serves young mothers primarily between the ages of 16 and 21 who come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Over the past eight years, the program has helped almost 150 families learn the value of responsibility and independence while helping them achieve personal goals.

Once settled into Brigid’s Crossing, teens receive services to help them overcome their problems and build on their strengths. These services may include individual therapy and group counseling, family assessment and case management, medical care, pregnancy prevention education, parenting and life skills training, help in acquiring a high school diploma or GED, and employment training. By providing these services, Brigid’s Crossing assists residents in working towards self-sufficiency.

Brigid's Crossing is a program of Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities. For more information, call 978-454-0081.

Genesis II

Genesis II is a 22-bed family treatment shelter, which allows homeless mothers and fathers struggling to maintain sobriety receive inpatient treatment without having to place their children in foster care. Residents also receive assistance with housing, parenting skills, job readiness skills, budgeting, household management, nutritional planning, and medical care.

A full-time case manager and a full-time family life advocate work with residents on the implementation of an individual/family treatment plan that includes intensive substance abuse counseling and attendance at self-help groups. Mental health treatment also is available.

Genesis II is a program of Catholic Charities Greater Boston. For more information, call 617-332-9905.

Nazareth Residence for Mothers and Children

Nazareth Residence for Mothers and Children provides an opportunity for families to begin rebuilding their lives. Families served are homeless mothers and their children. At Nazareth, families are able to maintain their independence while they transition to permanent housing. The community-like atmosphere, supportive services, and 24-hour staffing create a safe and secure climate for life and living.

Nazareth Residence is a program of Catholic Charities Greater Boston. For more information, call 617-541-0100.

Robert McBride House

The Robert McBride House is a 17-unit apartment building for individuals and families. This affordable, permanent housing is designed for independent living and is enhanced by a common living room, kitchen, dining area, and community room. A wide range of services is available to support the needs of the residents.

For more information about the Robert McBride House, call 617-236-8319.

Seton Manor

Seton Manor provides supportive housing services for 19 homeless, single men and women. It provides individual bedrooms with congregate areas for dining and leisure and 24-hour staff coverage. Seton Manor is a home, not an institution. Though congregate in nature, it is non-restrictive, relatively unstructured, and takes into account each one’s dignity, right to privacy, self-determination, and independence. It offers a family of caring relationships with other residents, staff, and volunteers.

For more information about Seton Manor, call 617-277-7133.

St. Ambrose Family Shelter

The St. Ambrose Family Shelter is a homeless shelter for families. The goal of St. Ambrose Family Shelter is to provide shelter, support, and hope for homeless families in transition. Since first opening its doors in 1989, St. Ambrose has been home to more than 1,000 people.

First and foremost, families’ basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are met. Household chores are shared by all residents and group dinners are planned and prepared on a rotating schedule. All families are referred to St. Ambrose by the Department of Transitional Assistance.

While at the shelter, families are prepared for successful and independent living through formal education and practical skills training. Through referrals to local GED-preparation courses and tutoring provided by staff and volunteers, parents are encouraged in their efforts to further their education. Residents also receive life-skills training in practical areas such as parenting, family planning, and budgeting.

Resident children attend Boston Public Schools in order to maintain a sense of continuity and stability in their lives. Volunteers serve as mentors, engaging children in homework, study groups, and play time.

St. Ambrose is a program of Catholic Charities Greater Boston. For more information, call 617-288-7675.

St. Patrick's Shelter for Homeless Women

St. Patrick’s Shelter for Homeless Women houses 30 women in emergency beds on a night-by-night basis as well as 10 transitional program participants each night. In addition to breakfast and dinner, the women are provided with referrals for health care, mental health services, and housing. A host of supportive and educational services are available to help families move toward a better future.

St. Patrick's Shelter is a program of Catholic Charities Greater Boston. For more information, call 617-268-3015.