Homelessness and Housing

Families experiencing homelessness are the fastest growing homeless population across the country - a significant increase from previous years.  Families and children consist of thirty-three percent of the homeless population, so our work to provide a supportive environment for families to enhance their self-sufficiency so they can transition to permanent housing is paramount. It is our goal to build healthier families in Plymouth County and to work collaboratively to end family homelessness.

The Old Colony YMCA Family Services Branch seeks to empower children and families experiencing homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency through a strengths-based approach in a safe, supportive, nurturing environment.

Self-sufficiency plans (treatment plans) are developed for each family, including career/educational needs, social service needs, vocational needs and housing needs by the Center's Casework Coordinator.  Services include: family advocacy/case management, assistance with accessing child care, individual and family therapy/clinical services, career counseling, job search and placement, domestic violence education and intervention, GED and educational services, family support and mentoring services, life and pro-social skill building and recreational opportunities.  Additionally staff focus on the children at the center through Case Management providing life and pro-social skill-building groups, tutoring and homework help, recreational activities and youth and asset building activities. All activities are geared toward ending a family's homelessness by addressing barriers and ultimate placement in decent, affordable housing.

Families served receive free memberships to our YMCA Association and programs and services include the following:

• Family Memberships to the Y (includes fitness and fitness classes, youth programming, swimming lessons, recreational swimming, karate lessons, youth sports leagues, etc)
• Assistance with accessing Child Care (more than 40 sites across Southeastern Massachusetts)
• Summer Camperships (to any of four YMCA summer camps)
• Mental Health Services through our licensed Mental Health Clinic (individual and family therapy)
• Mentoring Services
• Special Events and Activities