Multi Service Center for the Homeless

The Cambridge Multi-Service Center addresses the needs of homeless and near-homeless individuals and families living in Cambridge. It provides direct services, along with planning and coordination of efforts, for people who are living on the street, staying in emergency shelters or at risk of losing their housing. The center is listed with the Central Square Business Improvement District, and its work spans both responding to homelessness and preventing it.

Prevention is a major focus. Staff work to stop evictions and resolve landlord-tenant problems through a combination of case management, advocacy and budget counseling, helping households stay in their homes. The center also offers financial counseling to help clients steady their situation, and it connects people with other resources they may need while dealing with a housing crisis. The aim is to address problems before they lead to the loss of a home.

What to Know

• Staff help clients apply for public benefits.
• Clients can be connected with legal services.
• The center helps people access mental health and substance abuse services.
• A transitional living program serves homeless men.