Homeless Family Services

Jump to: Congregate Shelters | Scattered Site Apartments

"I didn’t think you could have a positive experience in a shelter, but I did. I would recommend this shelter to anyone who has doubts, because unlike other organizations, this shelter and the staff really work hard to help place you in permanent housing.” – Congregate Shelter resident

On a single day in 2009, there were 1,414 homeless people in Worcester County. As the number of homeless famlies nationwide increases, many families in Worcester are facing economic difficulties and are homeless.

Willis Center provides transitional housing to homeless families and individuals in both congregate shelters and scattered site apartments, with culturally competent case management services. 

In both congregate and scattered site housing, families have a home with the space and beds they need, instead of unstable environments and crowding with friends’ and relatives’ on couches and floors – the situations many families faced before shelter placement.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance securing housing please refer to the Department of Housing and Community Development's How to Obtain Housing Guide and contact your local Housing Authority. Click here for information on emergency shelter.

While in shelter, residents have access to the resources and guidance to attend to their previously unmet needs.

Willis Center staff connect residents with healthcare, counseling, parenting classes, and GED classes or vocational training. Children have the option to attend daycare and extracurricular programs.

Staff work to ensure the individual and varied needs of each resident and family are met in shelters that offer a supportive, stable environment where people can begin to rebuild.

“When people first arrive, they don’t expect to stay long.  But they’re beat-down, for a variety of reasons, whether it be domestic violence, substance abuse or debt.  By the time they’re ready to leave, they’re in a much better place—back to seeing their doctors or therapists and looking for work.” – Willis Center staff member

When residents are ready to leave the shelter, Willis Center staff assist them in securing an affordable apartment and furnishings. Residents may continue to receive case management for eighteen months to maintain their housing stability and work through any obstacles that may arise.