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Homeless and Eviction-Prevention Services

Human Service Programs

The Multi-Service Center (MSC), a division of the Department of Human Service Programs, is a collaboration of case managers who help people with their housing challenges.  We serve members of the Cambridge community who are low-income, experiencing housing instability, or experiencing homelessness.

Our services include:

  • Mediation
  • Advocacy
  • Budget Counseling
  • Financial Assistance
  • Housing Search Assistance
  • Referrals

We also work closely with departments across the City, including the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Community Development Department Housing Division, and the Human Rights Commission, as well as our nonprofit partners, to connect Cambridge residents with a variety of housing resources. 


Services and Programs

MSC Case Managers

We work with individuals and families who need help with their housing. This includes people experiencing homelessness, people at risk of becoming homeless, and people with housing concerns or facing eviction. We make referrals to shelters, food pantries, job training programs, financial assistance programs, and more.

Do you need help with housing-related costs, including move-in or eviction prevention fees? Contact our Intake Coordinator at 617-349-6047 or email kmjoyce@cambridgema.gov
 

Housing Search Help

Cambridge residents who are facing complex housing situations learn how to search for housing and access information. Topics include: tenant rights, using a Section 8 voucher, conflict resolution, financial literacy and more.

Come to a housing search workshop!

Tuesdays, 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the MSC (362 Green St., 1st Floor). No registration required

Contact: Ryan McCluskey at 617-349-6338 or rmccluskey@cambridgema.gov.

 
 

 

Cambridge Coordinated Access Network (C-CAN)

If you are experiencing homelessness, our C-CAN Specialist can help you get an assessment that will put you in a queue for permanent housing opportunities. We can also connect you to Housing Navigation and other services.

If you would like a C-CAN assessment, come to the MSC during our C-CAN walk-in hours or call 617-349-7715. 

C-Can Walk-In Hours

Tuesdays, 1 - 4 p.m.

Thursdays, 1 - 4 p.m. 

 
 

The Carey Program

The Carey Program is a permanent supportive housing program. In partnership with Caritas Communities, this program offers 22 rooms for homeless men and case management. To be eligible, you must get a C-CAN assessment.  

Questions? Contact Cynthia Voto-Vivian at cvivian@cambridgema.gov.

 

Cambridge Haitian Services

We address the social service needs of the Haitian community living in Cambridge, with a focus on Haitians serving Haitians. People do not need to be homeless to access our resources. We also offer immigration advice and information related to US citizenship.  

Questions? Contact Jean Jeune at 617-349-6351 or jjeune@cambridgema.gov.

 

Our Partners at the Multi-Service Center

Office of the Housing Liaison

The Office of the Housing Liaison (OHL) is the point of contact for complex housing situations that affect people who rent, own, or manage properties in Cambridge. We can assist people with circumstances such as building sales, displacement from fires, and other multi-household concerns. 

We help residents access and navigate housing opportunities through intensive case management. We also help with eviction prevention, tenant displacement and other housing-related resources and services.  

The OHL runs the City’s Housed In Cambridge campaign to help community members learn about housing and tenant rights.

Contact: 617-349-6337 or visit OHL's website

Eliot Community Human Services (CHS)

Eliot CHS provides access to a clinical social worker who works closely with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.  MSC staff can refer you to this service.

CASLS provides free legal advice for low-income families and individuals in Cambridge. They offer weekly appointments to discuss issues related to affordable housing, emergency assistance, and public benefit programs. MSC staff can refer you to this service. 

DeNovo

De Novo offers legal assistance to low-income tenants. Our services include advice and representation in eviction proceedings, help with illegal lockouts, access to public housing, subsidized housing for terminations or denials, and enforcement of tenants’ rights. MSC staff can refer you to this service.

Page was last modified on 5/10/2024 9:40 AM
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