NeighborWorks secures $5 million funding for new emergency shelter

Attleboro, MA NeighborWorks Housing Solutions has been awarded $5 million of state funding to create the first-ever emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals in the city. The 150 Pleasant St. project will create a new 18-bed adult emergency shelter and 22 studio apartments with supportive services for formerly homeless individuals.

The new award of $5 million in development subsidies from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development coupled with an additional award of state rental subsidies and supportive services funding for the 22 apartments represent the majority of funds required for the project.

For nearly five years, the Northern Bristol County Assistance Collaborative (NBCAC) has advocated to create an emergency shelter in town. In 2020, as the pandemic increased the urgency of their efforts, NBCAC asked NeighborWorks to partner with them to create an emergency shelter to address the current needs of those experiencing homelessness and establish permanent supportive housing to provide a long-term solution to help end homelessness in the community.

In addition to NBCAC, NeighborWorks is partnering with Catholic Social Services to manage and operate the emergency shelter program; Father Bill’s & MainSpring to provide the supportive services for the permanent housing program; BayCoast Bank, a regional community bank that stepped up early to provide a generous grant for project planning and development; and representative Jim Hawkins and his staff, who have actively advocated for the project and secured multiple commitments of critical early funding.

“This project started nearly five years ago and started due in part to the robust network of food pantries who noticed a tremendous need for shelter and affordable housing. My team worked hard to make sure we could secure early funding for this project,” said representative Hawkins. “We know that this style of housing will provide transformative opportunities for the chronically homeless in the community. I am proud to continue to be an advocate for this type of housing, and I know I am working with experts in the industry to provide the oversight and expertise needed to help those in need.”

Construction is expected to commence by the end of the year.

“We are very excited that the state has decided to support and fund this very important project that we believe is a model for all communities in the Commonwealth,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. “The need for this housing is evident in every part of the state. Attleboro officials and community members are to be commended for initiating and welcoming a positive solution to the needs of those experiencing homelessness in their community. We’re looking forward to working with our partners and the town to construct this unique housing opportunity in Attleboro.”