MassInsider

Press Release: 2019-12-09

MassHousing Awards $622,095 for Affordable Sober Housing to Support Men, Women and Veterans in Recovery

Funding will help create 54 new units and rehabilitate 98 existing units of sober housing in 11 communities across Massachusetts

BOSTON - November 27, 2019 - MassHousing has awarded a total of $622,095 in grant funding to help create or modernize 152 affordable sober housing units in 11 communities across Massachusetts. The awarded projects will serve veterans, and men and women in recovery, including women with children.

The grants come from the Center for Community Recovery Innovations, Inc. (CCRI), a nonprofit subsidiary corporation of MassHousing that helps nonprofits create or preserve affordable sober housing in Massachusetts for individuals in recovery.

To date, CCRI has awarded more than $11 million in grants for the creation or preservation of nearly 2,300 units of substance-free housing, in 53 communities, serving recovery populations that include men, women, families, veterans, the homeless and ex-offenders.

“Having a safe, sober place to live is one of the top factors in overcoming substance abuse,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. “These CCRI grants help not just those trying to clear the grip of addiction, but in many cases their children and other family members who are impacted as well. We're pleased to partner with these non-profit organizations who work every day to help residents across the Commonwealth overcome addition so they can lead healthy and productive lives.”

CCRI grant awards:

Coalition for a Better Acre, Lowell, $125,000

MassHousing grant funds will help demolish and create a new building with 27 new sober apartments for individuals and families in Lowell. Other project partners include the City of Lowell, Lowell House, and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Housing Support, Inc., Amesbury, $25,000

Grant funds will advance the pre-development work, leading to the creation of 10 new sober efficiency apartments and the renovation of 14 existing sober units for women in Amesbury.

Opening Heaven's Door Ministries, Worcester, $75,000

Grant funds will help rehabilitate and preserve 7 units of sober housing for men in Worcester, including improvements to bathrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

Victory Programs, Inc., Boston, $23,995

Grant funds will help replace a chiller coolant system for a building providing affordable sober housing for 24 men in Boston.

Providence Ministries for the Needy, Holyoke, $70,600

Grant funds will help provide building upgrades and renovations for 24 sober housing units for men in Holyoke.

Commonwealth Green Low-Income Housing Coalition, Worcester, $25,000

Grant funds will help connect low-income recovery and sober homes with measures to reduce utility costs.

Mental Health Association, Westfield, $62,000

Grant funds will help renovate and preserve 7 units of single-room occupancy (SRO) sober housing for men and women with co-occurring illness in Westfield. The scope of work includes painting, new carpeting, driveway and porch repairs, kitchen renovation and creating access for wheelchairs.

Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Boston, Lynn and Leeds, $18,000

Grant funds will help deliver weekly recovery and wellness support services to women veterans in Leeds, and women and children in Lynn and Boston, to foster successful tenancies in permanent housing.

South Middlesex Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Framingham, $47,500

Grant funds will help rehabilitate and preserve 22 units of SRO sober housing for women in recovery in Framingham. The scope of work includes new windows, roof and porch repairs, a fire escape and chimney.

Father Bill's and Mainspring, Brockton, $75,000

Grant funds will rehabilitate and abandoned building to create 6 sober SRO units for men and women in Brockton. Partners include South Shore Bank and City of Brockton.

SAGE Housing, Inc., Greenfield, $75,000

Grant funds will help acquire and rehabilitate a home to create 11 new units of affordable sober housing for men in Greenfield. Partners include the regional Opioid Task Force, GAAMHA, Inc., and Greenfield Savings Bank.