The Hearth Outreach Program
The Program Model
Each year, Hearth Outreach works wit over 250 homeless elders - who are 50 years or older - who seek permanent housing. Of the elders who enter the program over a one-year period, 76% have a physical disability, 45% suffer from a mental-health related disability, and as many as 55% struggle with some type of substance abuse.
The process to find permanent housing and ensure long-term success is challenging and can take as long as two years or more to complete.
Step I: The Connection
Case Managers canvas 10 Boston shelter programs weekly to get referrals from shelter staff and meet shelter guests.
Step II: Housing Search and Case Management
Next, Hearth Outreach and their elderly clients navigate step by step through the arduous housing application process.
Step III: Placement and Stabilization
Once a safe and affordable permenant housing unit has been found, Outreach accompanies their clients to sign the lease.