Preventing homelessness is a challenging task, to be sure. To effectively minister to men and women at risk of homelessness, a solid, effective, and well-run series of programs must be in place.

Residential Recovery Program
Substance abuse is clearly one of the leading causes of homelessness and must be addressed in any prevention strategy. Unfortunately, recovery for individuals with limited financial means usually consists of a three to five day detox program provided by publicly funded insurance and a return to their typically unstable pre-detoxification living situation. This "recovery" is clearly inadequate, and many of these individuals soon revert to substance abuse and again put themselves at risk of becoming homeless.

Each year, our recovery program provides hundreds of men and women with a safe and therapeutic environment in which they can address their substance abuse issues and ultimately achieve a healthy, self-sufficient living situation. The program begins when a program member is referred by a licensed detoxification program.  The referred program member is assigned to an individual case manager who conducts a careful and extensive evaluation to assess the program member's mental health and vocational, legal, cognitive behavioral, housing, medical, family, recovery, educational, and other needs. The case manager then develops an individualized care plan for the program member that is implemented through semi-weekly twelve step meetings. Over the course of the program, case managers and training sessions provide program members with substance abuse treatment, mental health services, anger management treatment, employment assistance, job training, housing assistance, and financial management assistance. In addition, program members participate in classes on living independently, repairing broken relationships, and improving social skills. The goal of these sessions is to build program member self-esteem and equip them with the tools and skills they need to achieve permanent self-sufficiency.

Ex-Offender Re-Entry Program
Our wide range of personalized services also serves the unique needs of ex-offenders. When ex-offenders are released from prison without stable housing in place, a large majority recommit crimes within their first year of release. The lack of available re-entry programs for women is especially disturbing, since the vast majority of female offenders in the Commonwealth's corrections system are classified as low-risk, non-violent offenders whom we believe can significantly benefit from our graduated re-entry services. The Women Offenders Re-Entry program provides program members with transitional and permanent housing, intensive case management, individual counseling, group therapy, behavioral modification and parenting classes, mentoring and relapse prevention services. The mentoring component is a dynamic part of the process, which through friendship and trust addresses the changes and readjustment steps of in-prison, transition, sustainability, and aftercare.  The program establishes a caring and accountable recovery environment along with job skills and related training designed to promote healthy, independent living.

All program services are provided without monetary commitment from program members. This provides an opportunity for mandatory savings as well as provisions for outstanding legal obligations. Instead, program members are asked to participate in community service projects that contribute to the health and well-being of their treatment environment. This provides a structured environment for each of our program members, which is an essential ingredient to the success of any recovery program.

When a program member is ready to embrace independent living with a community-based support network, graduates are provided with detailed discharge and aftercare planning. Case managers track and monitor the program member's progress after discharge. Formalized aftercare services are offered at Boston Rescue Mission as well as through informal relationships that have been formed through the treatment process. Graduates are welcome to utilize the Boston Rescue Mission if additional services are needed.

Vocational Development
Our vocational re-entry programs are designed to equip both residents in our Residential Recovery communities and outside program members with job retention and life skills training to effectively function within mainstream society. We start by focusing on basic life skills, attitudes and coping skills that are necessary to be successful in today's job market. The mission then collaborates with several vocationally related Boston-area programs. These and other groups work with case managers to prepare and direct our program members to realistic, long-term employment opportunities. In our 8 station computer lab on-site, residents may learn basic word processing, spreadsheet, email and internet skills, and even follow a certification prep course. We also develop and maintain a Job Referral Network, where local companies partner with the Boston Rescue Mission to provide Mission program members with an opportunity to interview for employment. If hired, the program member works under the same guidelines as other employees and continues to receive case management services at the Mission.  Companies interested in participating can find more information in our Corporate Partners page.

Meal Programs
We at the Boston Rescue Mission recognize that people without substance abuse problems may become homeless as well. Many people do not have the means to both pay monthly bills and feed their families. As a result, they may fall behind on their rent and other bills, and eventually risk losing their home. Our community meals and food pantry programs help to feed families and ease financial strains so that more resources may go toward paying rent and maintaining a stable living situation.