COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2024
EOHLC provides Salem with winter shelter capacity grant
Funding will add 12 beds to winter shelter capacity and expand the hours of warming centers
(BOSTON—12/17/2024) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) is pleased to announce the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has awarded $213,500 to Lifebridge/Salem Mission to add 12 beds to their winter shelter capacity in Salem and to expand the hours of their warming centers in Salem and Gloucester.
“This funding will help ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to safe and warm shelter during the harshest winter days,” said Senator Lovely. “I want to thank Secretary Augustus and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to addressing homelessness and their investment into supporting our community’s most vulnerable.”
“Our nonprofit community partners provide a lifeline to individuals who are struggling with the very basic need of a safe place to lay their head at night,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “In addition, these organizations are well equipped to connect individuals with other important services ranging from behavioral health to the search for permanent housing, which helps lift people out of homelessness.”
“This vital investment in Lifebridge will provide critical relief to individuals experiencing homelessness and ensure access to a shelter bed during the harsh winter months ahead,” said State Representative Manny Cruz (7th Essex-Salem). “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Secretary of Augustus and the Healey-Driscoll administration with their steadfast commitment to addressing the housing crisis and supporting efforts to combat homelessness in Salem and across our Commonwealth.”
“Our community is facing a significant and growing demand this winter to shelter our unhoused neighbors,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, “Every additional bed makes a big difference in this critical work. This near-term solution will give a few more residents a place to sleep and warm up during the upcoming winter. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for providing this critical funding to help with this significant challenge.”
“Lifebridge North Shore is grateful to EOHLC for this crucial funding, along with its ongoing support of our mission to end homelessness,” said Jason Etheridge, President, Lifebridge North Shore. “With the recent increase in demand for assistance, these funds are critical in the expansion of services to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable members in our communities.”
Funding is provided through EOHLC’s Division of Housing Stabilization’s One-Time Grants to Expand Capacity, which is providing $9.3 million in supplemental grants to shelter providers, municipalities, and community-based organizations across the Commonwealth to support the opening and expansion of seasonal shelter beds and services.
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