Hildebrand operates 120 emergency shelter units across Boston and Cambridge. Families experiencing homelessness are referred to Hildebrand through Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). Within their first week of shelter stay, families work together with Hildebrand staff to create a rehousing plan that leverages the family’s individual strengths and assets towards securing permanent, affordable housing.

Hildebrand provides comprehensive, culturally-responsive case management and supportive services in a variety of languages to all families in shelter. We work closely with each family to find, apply for, and move into safe, affordable permanent homes. Hildebrand staff also connect families with support and resources related to education, employment, health, clothing, food, and more.

Hildebrand operates 31 units of permanent housing across Boston and Cambridge, including nine units of permanent supportive housing for families who are exiting chronic homelessness. The Permanent Supportive Housing Program, funded through the Boston Continuum of Care, offers an affordable permanent home with on-site supportive services for families who face the most significant barriers to securing safe, stable housing.

Hildebrand continues working with families for at least two years post-shelter to support families in remaining stably housed. Over the course of the two years, families and Stabilization Services Case Managers work together to develop plans to increase economic mobility and work towards their goals. This program is proven to be effective: after two years, 95% of the families in the Stabilization Services Program stay securely housed.

Hildebrand connects kids and teens in shelter with resources and programs that will support their social-emotional development and academic success. Hildebrand works with youth in shelter to enroll in school and access academic support, out-of-school enrichment, arts and music programming, summer camp, and more. 

Hildebrand connects families in shelter with trauma-informed physical and mental health resources and care, including community health centers and other local providers that will meet their needs. We also make sure families have access to the fresh, nutritious food they need to support their health and well-being.

Hildebrand is piloting a program that provides resource navigation and financial assistance to families facing early housing instability in order to prevent housing loss and shelter entry. The goal of this program is to help families remain in their homes.

With support from Cummings Foundation, Hildebrand is piloting an economic mobility program for families who have recently moved out of shelter and into permanent homes. This program provides financial education and matched savings to help families move beyond “survival mode,” achieve greater financial stability, and reach their long-term goals for economic mobility.