Homelessness Prevention (2008)

• Butler Family Fund

  To explore potential solutions to family homelessness through a regranting initiative. To test ideas from across the US that might prove successful in either ending or preventing family homelessness. The Butler Family Fund is a grant-making foundation committed to the betterment of society by funding and supporting organisations that provide initiative, innovation, and leadership in areas of social neglect or needs that are fundamental to justice and social welfare. (Over two years)

• hopeFound

  To fund a demonstration project that will promote housing retention and increase incomes among 140 formerly homeless people, by linking specialised employment services with the “Housing First” model. hopeFound serves more than 3,500 people each year in Boston and across Massachusetts and is recognised both locally and nationally for programme innovation and successful outcomes for chronically homeless individuals. The project will be delivered in partnership with housing providers, Caritas Communities and Father Bills & Mainspring. (Over three years)

• Mediation Works Incorporated (MWI)

  To expand a mediation service that enables low-income tenants who are threatened with eviction to reach agreement with their landlords. It will offer mediation in 12 Boston district and municipal courts, and aims to bring about procedural change in the way that the courts deal with eviction hearings. MWI provides innovative dispute resolution services to disadvantaged individuals impacted by unresolved conflict. (Over three years)

• Missing People

  To conduct a research project using information about young runaways collected via its Runaway Helpline. The research will identify how the helpline can assist with diverting young people away from homelessness and will make recommendations about how different sectors can work together to improve responses to young runaways and so prevent them from becoming homeless. Missing People is the UK’s only charity that has a dedicated helpline for young runaways, missing and unidentified people, their families and others who care for them. It provides advice and support, and aims to reduce the numbers of people missing. (Over two years)

• Project Fair

  To represent people with psychiatric disabilities living in New York City who are appealing against decisions regarding their eligibility for public assistance. In addition, to provide specialised advocacy and effective follow-up in order to stabilise people's income and thus reduce their risk of homelessness. Furthermore, to increase awareness among NGOs and government of the needs of people with psychiatric disabilities who are welfare-benefit recipients. Project Fair is a collaborative providing advice and representation to people pursuing their eligibility for public assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid through the “fair hearings” appeal process. (Over three years)

• University Settlement Society of New York, Inc.

  To provide culturally competent eviction prevention services and comprehensive case management to families facing housing instability due to poverty, domestic violence, addiction, joblessness and mental illness. University Settlement takes a systems change approach, complementing its services with extensive advocacy efforts that address specific social issues, such as employment, public benefits and housing. University Settlement is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and serves 20,000 people each year. (Over three years)

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