Homeless Services

• In the Field Engagement: HHS outreach teams proactively go into communities - parks, underpasses, encampments - connecting directly with individuals living unsheltered.
• Information & Referral: Outreach workers offer on-the-spot information and referrals to shelters, clinics, food programs, housing supports, mental health services, and more.
• Crisis Intervention: Immediate response is provided for individuals in crisis - whether facing weather risks, medical emergencies, or other urgent needs.
• Harm Reduction Efforts: Strategies are implemented to reduce health risks associated with substance use, such as overdose prevention education and distribution of Narcan.
• Peer Support: Outreach teams include individuals with lived experience who foster trust, rapport, and guidance with those experiencing homelessness.
• Shelter Liaison Services: Workers support transitions from the streets into shelters - explaining intake processes, arranging transport, and coordinating entry.
• Basic Needs Assistance: Street-level assistance includes distributing food, warm clothing, hygiene items, and helping individuals obtain identification documents.
• Homelessness Prevention: When possible, outreach intervenes early to prevent eviction situations.
• Legal Support: Provides guidance and support to navigate court processes and avoid criminalization.
  • A Recovery Court - also known as a drug treatment or drug court - is a specialized judicial program designed for individuals involved in the legal system who are struggling with substance use disorders. Instead of proceeding with traditional sentencing, the court offers a treatment-focused alternative.
• Behavioral Health & Recovery Referrals: Outreach staff assess for mental-health and substance-use issues and refer to HHS or partner behavioral-health and recovery services.

Together, these activities form a comprehensive street-based model aimed at connecting unsheltered individuals with essential services, crisis support, and pathways to shelter and stability.

• Homelessness Prevention: Working to avert eviction or displacement before individuals lose housing.
• Liaison to Local Shelters: Coordinating with shelters to facilitate access and manage capacity.
• Court Diversion Support: Providing legal advocacy and assistance to help individuals avoid criminalization. Success in the program can lead to reduced charges, lighter penalties, or even dismissal of charges - aiming to break cycles of addiction and recidivism.

HHS operates within the Worcester-City & County Continuum of Care and partners closely with community-based organizations - all to ensure a coordinated and effective system for support and services.

• City HHS: Contact the City of Worcester Homeless Services for immediate referrals and outreach.
• Shelter Applications for Individuals: Individuals can apply at 25 Queen Street, Worcester, MA, or call 508-757-0103.
• Shelter Applications for Families: Families can apply in person at 50 Southwest Cutoff, Worcester, MA, 01604 or call 1-866-584-0653 for an intake.
• Youth (Under 25): Contact LUK at luk@luk.org or call 1-800-579-0000.