At a joint press conference today, Nov. 17, MBHP and the Regional Housing Network (RHN) unveiled two reports on the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program for 2015 and 2016.
The reports show the value of the program, not only in how many thousands of families are diverted from emergency shelter every year but also in the economic savings for the commonwealth.
“This report, a continuation of RAFT reports published by MBHP in 2014 and 2015, validates our position that it is dramatically more cost effective to help families retain their housing than to pay the necessary costs for shelter after a family becomes homeless,” noted Christopher Norris, executive director of MBHP. “RAFT helps families in jeopardy of losing their housing keep their homes, experience less trauma and uncertainty, and retain their dignity. We consider RAFT crucial in helping families remain in safe, decent homes they can afford as we wait for an increased supply of housing that is affordable to those most in need.”
To access the full reports: