What is Hildebrand?

Hildebrand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides Emergency Assistance shelter and Stabilization services, and permanent housing to families experiencing homelessness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

How are families referred to Hildebrand?

Families are referred to Hildebrand through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), the state agency that manages the Emergency Assistance shelter program. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness, visit your local DTA office. To find the closest location, visit this link.

Which families are eligible for Emergency Assistance shelter?

Generally, families are screened based on income verification, domestic violence, and/or other emergencies such as facing a housing crisis. For more information, please visit this link.

Does Hildebrand only focus on housing?

While finding permanent housing is certainly a large part of the case management services, families also participate in 30 hours of self-sufficiency work a week, which includes: employment, training programs, program workshops, school, etc. We work with clients on housing search and barriers that have prevented them in the past.

What can families expect from case management?

Families can expect to work with their case manager to set goals for individual family needs. Case managers help families stay on track to achieve their goals. The case manager’s goal is to ensure all needs of the family are met while empowering families to become self-sufficient.

What do case managers expect from families?

Case Managers expect that families are engaged in all aspects of services. Our client is the whole family, not merely the head of household. We support the needs of all members of the family.

Do families get to choose between scattered-sites and congregate?

Units are assigned based upon family size and availability. Case managers may recommend families for congregate living or scattered site programs based on the needs of the individual family.

Where are the different programs located?

Hildebrand has apartments and congregate living programs throughout Metro Boston, including: Cambridge, Dorchester, East Boston, Chelsea, Mattapan, Roxbury, and Hyde Park. The majority of Hildebrand units are located in Dorchester.

What is the difference between scattered-site and congregate?

Congregate programs are shared living spaces in which families have their own bedroom and a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom with 2-3 other families. However, these locations house from 7 to 20 families at a time. In addition, these programs are staffed 24/7 and case management happens on site.

Where can I find a food pantry?

Project Bread Food Source Hotline
Monday-Friday from 8am-7pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
1-800-645-8333

Or you can visit this link to find the local food pantry nearest you.

Does Hildebrand support families for the holidays?

Historically Hildebrand has been able to support family with holiday gifts for their children and, at times, turkeys and the fixings for Thanksgiving. This support is contingent upon donations.

What is the average length of stay for families?

The overall length of stay for families is 16.5 months.

How is Hildebrand different from other agencies?

We provide a family centered approach to all of our case management services. We offer intensive case management services that helps families set short, medium and long term goals in addition to finding permanent housing. We believe that it is important to address the reasons people became homeless and all barriers that a family may have in gaining self-sufficiency. We believe in a level of mutual accountability from both the case managers and clients. Finally, we believe that all members of the family are our clients and not just the heads of households.

Where can I get access to the Uniform Shelter Rules as outlined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities?

A copy of both Hildebrand Shelter Rules and the Uniform Shelter Rules will be given to you upon intake. If you need to obtain an additional copy, you can ask the Case Manager directly or retrieve them from the EOHLC website.

What can I bring with me to shelter?

Families may not bring more than the equivalent of two larger 30-gallon bags per person with them into shelter. This includes those in scattered-site units.

What documents are needed to apply for housing?

– Social Security Card for all family members
– Date of Birth for all family members
– Income verification
– Accurate/complete five year housing history

How can Hildebrand be contacted after hours?

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If the issues requires Hildebrand support after hours (between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday or Sunday or a holiday in which there is an office closure) please call the Bishop House at 617-492-2797. Please use this number for maintenance issues after hours.

How are issues resolved for families in scattered site apartments?

During Business Hours:
If a maintenance issue is needed during business hours, families should call their Case Manager directly to report the issue in as detailed a manner as possible. This issue will then be reported to the Facilities Department. Depending on the maintenance need, a follow up appointment at the unit will be scheduled and the family will be notified of the visit.

Outside Business Hours:
For maintenance emergencies i.e. the heat is not working during the winter, families should call the Bishop House at 617-492-2797. The staff on duty will alert the Facilities On-Call Administrator who will follow-up as necessary.

Do you want to help support Hildebrand?

Contact

614 Massachusetts Avenue
Third Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph: 617-491-5752
F: 617-491-2385

Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-5:00 PM *congregate living programs are staffed 24/7
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