Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rapid Track Family Shelter

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be opening a “Rapid Track Shelter” at the end of April 2025, at what has been a vacant office building located at Sidney Street near Tudor and Emily Streets.

The shelter, part of the Commonwealth’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelter system, is designed for eligible families in Massachusetts who are experiencing homelessness (eligible families must have children under 21 years of age and/or individuals who are pregnant) to stay while they work with case managers to find and move into stable, permanent housing. The Cambridge Rapid Track Shelter will serve approximately 60-65 families (up to 200 individuals) at any one time.

At these shelters, families can stay for up to 30 business days and they will have access to meals, showers, basic necessities, and intensive case management services to help them find long-term housing.

It will be staffed 24/7 by the shelter provider (SOS International), as well as a private security company. SOS International will also work with the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments, as needed. Only eligible families, staff and approved partners will have access to the facility. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

The City of Cambridge has been actively working with the Commonwealth’s team to ensure the shelter will meet the necessary safety, inspection and building code requirements. The City’s Office of Housing Liaison is coordinating between Cambridge, the state, and City departments.

The shelter is expected to begin hosting families following facility upgrades and building approvals by the City’s Inspectional Services and Fire Departments.

This is the second Emergency Assistance shelter to open in Cambridge. A Safety Net Family Shelter was located in East Cambridge at the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds and operational between December 2023 – December 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will use the Rapid Track Shelter?

The state led and managed site will ensure that families -- who are placed after going through the state's Emergency Assistance intake and placement system -- have a warm and safe place to stay while they work with case managers to find and move into stable, permanent housing.

For additional information on the Commonwealth's Emergency Assistance Family Shelter system, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/what-is-the-rapid-shelter-track-emergency-assistance-ea-family-shelter.

Walk-ins are not accepted at the shelter.

When did the shelter open?

The shelter is expected to open by the end April 2025.

What are the shelter's hours and how many people can it serve?

The Rapid Track Shelter will operate 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

The state is working with provider SOS International as well as a private security company.

The shelter has a capacity to accommodate approximately 70 families (200 individuals). At the shelter, families can stay for up to 30 business days and they will have access to meals, showers, basic necessities, and intensive case management services to help them find long-term housing.

How can I help the families or people working at the shelter?

Review the resources for eligible families: Resources for EA Eligible Families | Mass.gov

Why was this site in Cambridgeport chosen?

There were a number of variables associated with the location, including the fact that it offered plenty of available indoor space to accommodate up to 200 individuals and full services could be provided within the building.

How long will families be staying at the shelter?

At these shelters, families can stay for up to 30 business days with minor exceptions. While there, they will be assisted in finding long-term housing.

At this time, the shelter is expected to operate for one year.

How can we ensure that the neighborhood will be safe from those attending the family shelter?

The ability to provide security for the facility and surrounding community was a top consideration by the State for the shelter. 24-hour security will be provided on-site by the State via a private security company and they will be supported by Cambridge Police Officers who patrol the East Cambridge neighborhood. The proposed configuration and security plan will minimize any potential impact or disruption to the immediate neighborhood.

If there are further community questions or concerns regarding the Safety Net Family Shelter, who can residents or businesses contact?

Any resident, business or non-profit organization in the city can email housingliaison@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-7222.

The EA Emergency Family Shelter system is for families with children under 21 years of age and individuals who are pregnant. Families who are facing homelessness can apply by phone at (866) 584-0653. For additional information on the Commonwealth Emergency Housing Assistance Programs, visit https://www.mass.gov/emergency-housing-assistance.