COMMUNITY-CENTERED CRISIS RESPONSE

SafetyNet Shelter
Grant Program

Impact Update

The SafetyNet Shelter grant program was established by United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Healey-Driscoll Administration as a public health intervention to prevent families (from both Massachusetts and new arrivals) from unsheltered homelessness this winter by rapidly identifying safe alternatives. The program provides flexible funding to community-based organizations to support overflow options for the state Emergency Assistance Shelter Program (EA), with short-term stays prior to longer-term placements.

Quick Impact Numbers

sites have been established across Massachusetts

families can be protected per night across 9 overnight sites

people per day can receive services at 2 day site

nonprofit partners funded
How You Can Help Families

In this unprecedented crisis, we’ve seen civic leaders, agencies, donors and volunteers come together to create and support safe spaces for families. Once a family is settled into their new temporary housing, the need shifts to the essentials of daily living. Currently we are helping the South Boston Neighborhood House collect new or gently used items. Urgently needed items include : Microwaves, Refrigerators, Vacuums, Tables, Chairs, Pots and Pans, Silverware, Dinnerware, Toasters, Blenders, Coffee Makers, Cleaning Supplies, and other small appliances.

Program Development

United Way believes the SafetyNet grant program is an urgent public health response. Significant numbers of people living without access to safe and stable housing during the winter poses a threat to public health and the stability of the systems we rely on. This program has been used to fund, administer, and provide technical assistance to establish the SafetyNet Shelter sites around the state. In many cases, we have had coalitions of strong community-based and faith-based agencies who want to open sites, but there are many factors that need to align. These include obtaining certificates of occupancy, adequate staffing plans to meet the basic needs of families, municipal support and compliance with zoning and fire codes and availability of affordable housing. It has been heartwarming to see these factors come together in the communities hosting temporary overflow sites.

February 2024

La Collaborativa open a day services center for families in crisis

January 2024

New Healthy Mass opened a site of transitional housing and additional capacity at Meryl’s Safe Haven and other sites around Boston

December 2023

North Central Mass opened two sites provide shelter to extremely low-income families with children, and pregnant people

November 2023

Catholic Charities Boston opens 2 sites for temporary shelter

October 2023

$5 million fund announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and application opened

"It is heartbreaking to see families living with uncertainty of where they will sleep at night – with the arrival of colder weather we are grateful for the Governor and her administration’s leadership and our partners at United Way in activating funds quickly to stand up this emergency shelter plan”

Kelley Tuthill, President of Catholic Charities Boston

“As we’re facing an unprecedented state of emergency, it's critical that all residents have access to safe, dignified shelter, especially over the frigid winter months. Recognizing the countless lives at risk, we're grateful to collaborate with the United Way and Healey-Driscoll Administration to deploy our unique, trauma-informed model of providing a culturally familiar, welcoming day center with comprehensive housing, economic, and wraparound services, which are vital to the wellbeing of homeless families.”

Gladys Vega, CEO of La Colaborativa

“We are working diligently with our partners in government to offer resources and assistance to our community-based and faith-based partners across the region who are eager to offer capacity and solutions.”

United Way of Massachusetts Bay