Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance
Homelessness prevention, shelter, and long-term housing stability.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | $69.4k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) is a non-profit organization that coordinates a regional response to homelessness in Worcester County. The organization was formed in 1994 through the merger of two existing Worcester-based entities: the Housing Information Center, a tenant's rights and counseling group, and the Worcester Committee on Homelessness and Housing, an advocacy group established in the early 1980s.
CMHA's business model is centered on providing a continuum of care that includes homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and programs that support long-term housing stability. Key services consist of housing counseling, tenant and landlord mediation, and financial assistance to prevent housing crises. For those experiencing homelessness, the Alliance offers emergency shelter and safety net programs. It also runs the Donations Clearinghouse, a program founded in 1985 that provides donated furniture and household goods to individuals and families transitioning from shelters to permanent housing. Another significant program is Elder Home Repair and Maintenance, which offers repair services to help elderly homeowners remain safely in their homes.
The organization serves a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, elders, and youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. CMHA operates as the lead agency for homelessness planning throughout Worcester County, overseeing the Continuum of Care process, tracking data, and identifying service gaps. Its revenue is generated through a combination of federal and state government contracts, grants, and private fundraising, most notably the annual "WALK for the Homeless" event. The current CEO is Leah Bradley, who took on the role in September 2020. A recent initiative involves a partnership with the City of Worcester to establish a Day Resource Center, providing access to showers, laundry, and connections to housing and employment services, expected to open in 2026.
Keywords: homelessness prevention, housing stability, emergency shelter, housing assistance, community advocacy, Worcester County, housing counseling, tenant landlord services, affordable housing, non-profit, social services, elder home repair, furniture donation program, continuum of care, community collaboration, public education, housing support, regional planning body, at-risk families, supportive housing services