The Planning & Development Division of the Department of Human Service Programs is responsible for the management of numerous grants to Cambridge human service providers, as well as several programs operated directly by the City. The Division administers funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Supportive Housing and Shelter + Care Programs, the Emergency Shelter Grant program, and the human services portion of the Community Development Block Grant. The Human Services Commission, advises the City Manager and the Department of Human Service Programs, assisting in gathering information on community need and directing resources accordingly. Division staff also work with other municipal and community agencies in various planning initiatives.

The Planning & Development Division operates the City's Multi-Service Center, located at 19 Brookline Street, offering a broad range of services to persons who are living on the street, in emergency shelters, or at risk of losing their housing. Services include case management and transitional housing programs for men (at the YMCA) and women (at the YWCA); housing search and stabilization services for Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance-referred families facing homelessness; mental health, legal, financial and substance abuse counseling. Case managers also serve Cambridge families and individuals in need of short-term counseling, assistance with housing concerns or referrals to a variety of services, including food pantries, job training and benefits programs.

In addition to services for the homeless and those facing eviction, the Multi-Service Center also provides counseling and advocacy for elders and persons with disabilities, and houses Cambridge Haitian Services, offering a variety of services to the City's Haitian population. Clients need not be homeless or at risk of homelessness for these services.

Also within this Division, the Cambridge Prevention Coalition links substance prevention to a range of health promotion initiatives. Approaches include leadership in establishing community norms discouraging teens and others from abusing substances and initiatives aimed at reducing underage access to alcohol.

Multi-Service Center: 617-349-6340 (19 Brookline Street)

Haitian Services: 617-349-6351 (19 Brookline Street)

Cambridge Prevention Coalition: 349-6200 (51 Inman Street)