DULEY HOUSE OPENING

HEADING HOME OPENS FACILITY THAT WILL BE SUPPORTED PERMANENT HOUSING FOR 14 PREVIOUSLY HOMELESS WOMEN

On June 2nd, Heading Home opened a new supported permanent housing program for the homeless located on Concord Avenue in Cambridge, called Duley House.  The program named after long-time Executive Director Susan Duley, will provide permanent housing for 14 women who have been homeless on the streets and in the shelters of Cambridge for significant periods of time.  While Heading Home will own and operate the program, its development represents a partnership of several public agencies, including Mass Housing, the Cambridge Department of Community Development, the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, all which committed significant financial and technical support for the project.  There was significant private support as well.  The property was initially identified by a member of the Heading Home Advisory Council , who also made a significant financial contribution.  The entire staff of Margulies and Associates, (who provided architectural services for the project) landscaped the property to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary year.

"This kind of program represents a permanent solution to ending homelessness in our communities" said Tom Lorello, Heading Home's Executive Director.  "We have consistently found that when provided housing in conjunction with intensive support services, people get housed, they stay housed, and their lives begin to improve in ways that would not have been possible when they were on the street and preoccupied with day to day survival."

The program is considered permanent supported housing for the homeless.  This means that the occupants can remain as long as they are working with staff on a service plan that includes goals related to education and employment and, when relevant, medical and behavorial health care.