Homelessness in Boston Archives - Lend A Hand Society

Client Spotlight: How LAH Makes a Difference

by Lend A Hand Society Communications Team | Nov 21, 2024 | News

At Lend A Hand Society, we understand that when times are challenging, people need a helping hand. LAH grants are at work every day helping people in the community make it through emergency situations. There are many compelling stories, such as Mrs. N, who has been...

A Comprehensive Look at Homelessness in Boston

by Lend A Hand Society Communications Team | Oct 14, 2024 | News, Uncategorized

According to a recent in-depth study conducted by Boston Indicators, a research arm of the Boston Foundation, homelessness in Greater Boston is a complex issue, often shaped by factors beyond the common associations of substance abuse, mental health challenges, and/or...

Federal Aid Approved to Support Overburdened Family Shelter System in Massachusetts

by Lend A Hand Society Communications Team | Sep 11, 2024 | News

On August 28th, Governor Maura Healey’s office announced that Massachusetts has secured over $20 million in federal funding to help alleviate the strain on the state’s family shelter system. The funding, provided by FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, is the largest...

Massachusetts Shelter System Is At Capacity

by Lend A Hand Society Communications Team | Jan 9, 2024 | News

Currently, the Massachusetts shelter system is at capacity. According to recent coverage by WBUR, the Massachusetts emergency shelter system is the most strained it has been since the 1983 “Right to Shelter” law was passed. The number of families in the emergency...

Boston Foundation Report Card Reveals Housing Crisis

by Lend A Hand Society Communications Team | Dec 13, 2023 | News

Photo Credit: Boston Indicators at the Boston Foundation The Boston Foundation recently published its housing report card for 2023, a comprehensive look at housing costs, zoning, vacancy rates, and other key housing metrics for the Greater Boston area. With Boston...

Somerville Grant

An elderly woman on a fixed income worked with Mystic Valley Elder Services to get a LAH grant to pay her oil bill and keep heat on in her home.

East Boston Grant

A mother of four saw her income reduced drastically when the pandemic hit. She’s unable to keep up with her rising electricity bill and worries about losing power because of what she owes. HomeStart helped her get a grant from LAH that helped reduce her debt, bringing a bit of relief during these difficult times.

Lynn Grant

A young mother of two fell behind in her rent after her work hours were severely cut. A LAH grant through the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless helped bring her payments up to date on the single room she rents, giving her peace of mind as she looks for a second job.

Roxbury Grant

A working couple with 2 children struggled to pay their utility bill and lost power in their apartment. Working through the HomeStart, the couple received a LAH grant that restored their electricity so the kids were able to do homework and the family could cook their meals.

Jamaica Plain Grant

A mother of 3 children referred by Boston Area Rape Crisis Center received a grant to pay tuition for her nurses-aid training program so she can become certified and begin working.

Boston Grant

A Boston couple was forced to move to a smaller apartment after both lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with the St. Francis House, they received a grant from LAH that helped them pay the required security deposit to secure a less expensive place to live.

Brookline Grant

A hard-working couple with three children were in danger of losing their apartment. On top of both parents seeing their work hours cut, their youngest son was born with a serious disability. Working with Greater Boston Legal Services, they received a grant from LAH that helped with medical bills and rent.

Dorchester Grant

A family of 4 in Dorchester referred by Dimock Community Health Center, received a grant to pay their rent and avoid eviction. The children could stay in school and their mother was able to continue working.