Responding to Homelessness & Serving Special Populations

This 3-hour training will explore how in Massachusetts the emergency shelter systems for individuals and families experiencing homelessness operate in separate silos. While individuals experiencing homelessness can secure a bed in an individual shelter directly or through local coordinated entry systems, most family shelter is made available through state-funded programs that have a centralized application and eligibility determination portal. Homelessness rates are high among youth, young adults and LGBTQIA+ individuals due to unique barriers they face.

 

Part 1: Emergency Shelter Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness will focus on the homeless response system(s) in Massachusetts, and will cover eligibility, access points, and the types of emergency shelter available for individuals and for families.

 

Part 2: Youth and Young Adults and LGBTQ+ will focus on the specific root causes and barriers facing Youth and Young Adults (YYA) and LGBTQIA people. The scope, nature and particular risks associated with YYA and LGBTQIA homelessness in the region will be discussed as well as barriers that may prevent these populations from securing housing and shelter, and will explore strategies and resources for addressing their specific housing needs.