A SUMMARY OF OUR HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS THROUGH October 30, 2006
MetroWest Outreach Connection, Incorporated (MWOC) is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to preventing homelessness. The Homeless Prevention Program works to stabilize individuals and families in their homes or to reduce the length of time they stay in shelters. People who may be eligible for the program include clients that are imminent danger of eviction or those who are homeless and seek permanent housing. The program assists our low and very low-income clients. MWOC only provides funds to households that are able to sustain their rent payments once they receive financial assistance.
We collaborate with other organizations such as South Middlesex Opportunity Council, South Middlesex Legal Services, Advocates, the city of Marlboro’s Department of Human Resources and Catholic Charities. They use our Eligibility Guidelines and Application Form to screen and recommend clients to MWOC.
MetroWest Outreach Connection’s funding comes from grants, donations and fundraising activities. In 2005, we expended $83,000 to provide financial assistance to 132 clients. We need to raise approximately $85,000 each year if we are going to be able to sustain the Homeless Prevention Program at this level. During the past year, we have not turned down one client in the Metro West region who meets our eligibility requirements.
Relevant Information and Accomplishments
Since the Homeless Prevention Program commenced on August 2, 2004, MetroWest Outreach Connection has raised approximately $220,000. We have received funds from 23 grants, donations. Our 2006 Walk to Prevent Homelessness raised fifty percent more than previous years.
During the past twenty-six months, we have provided financial assistance to 244 clients which include 590 individuals. The average assistance has been $650, with a range of $65 to $2,000.
While 61% of our clients live in Framingham, the other 39% reside in Metro West as well as several cities and towns beyond that region.
Because we are sometimes asked about the racial breakdown of our clients, we do collect that data. At this time, 55% of our clients are White, 29% are Hispanic and 16% are Black. We do not discriminate against any groups as indicated in our Non-Discrimination Policy.
Ninety-eight (98) percent of all funds raised are spent to help these low income households.
We checked the housing status of clients on June 30, 2006. At that time, we had provided funding for 216 clients. We monitor the housing status of our clients for one year. The data we collected indicates that 91.3% are of our clients still permanently housed.
One hundred and fifty-four families that include 276 children have been helped so far.