The Homecoming Project

The Homecoming Project is an HPRP program to assist homeless individuals as well as individuals imminently facing homelessness. The project is funded by the City of Springfield to Catholic Charities through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). Friends of the Homeless and Catholic Charities are working together on the Homecoming Project to successfully serve 320 individuals with obtaining or maintaining housing over the 24 month funding period. 

Success Stories

To date, Friends of the Homeless in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the City of Springfield have helped 99 people gain permanent housing since The Homecoming Project began in the last quarter of 2009. The Homecoming Project administers federal Rapid Re-housing dollars to homeless individuals who fit very specific criteria. If they qualify, the money helps them avoid homelessness by maintaining their housing, or obtaining new housing. FOH Project Coordinator Janice Humason joined FOH in the fall of 2009 to develop the eligibility screening tools and implement the project. “I’ve witnessed the positive impact that The Homecoming Project has had on the lives of individuals we have been able to serve in the Springfield community. Being witness to this is very moving and tells me that the project is successfully reaching our target population and that we are making a difference. On a personal level, I feel good about my work because I know I can help people access resources that help them move out of shelter or avoid going into shelter at a critical point in their lives. The case management along with financial assistance lifts their burden.”
Thanks to the healthy collaboration Janice Humason and Eryn Tobin from Catholic Charities have developed with area landlords and other agencies, we are on target to meet the Homecoming Project's goal.
 

 Frequently Asked Questions About the Homecoming Project

 What geographical area does this Project serve?
The Homecoming Project HPRP program serves eligible individuals in the Springfield community.

What are HPRP services?
The HPRP program provides diversion and re-housing services to help individuals obtain or remain in housing. These services may include case management and short-term financial assistance.
For example, if you are a Springfield resident facing eviction, diversion services may be provided at the Housing Court hearing. Or if you are homeless in shelter, you may be able to obtain housing more quickly and not need to stay in shelter as long with re-housing services. 

What is HPRP eligibility criteria?
HPRP eligibility for individuals includes housing status, income eligibility, Springfield residency, and having relatively few barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing.

Who meets eligibility criteria?
Our screening and intake processes will help determine your eligibility for HPRP, or an alternative “next step” in meeting your housing needs.
Agencies may refer to HPRP by using our screening and referral process. Once screened for HPRP, eligibility is determined by an in-person consultation with HPRP staff.
Appointments are scheduled weekly at Friends of the Homeless and Catholic Charities for individuals who screen in for HPRP.

Who do I contact to determine my eligibility?
Please contact Friends of the Homeless at 413-734-3069 if you are homeless and meet one of the homeless criteria listed below. Please contact Catholic Charities at 413-452-0605 if you are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction from housing in Springfield.
• Homeless: staying in shelter, a place not meant for human habitation, leaving or timing out of transitional housing, or a recent DV victim.
• At risk of becoming homeless with a pending Housing Court hearing or in Housing Court.

What if I do not meet HPRP eligibility criteria?
Not all individuals will be eligible for HPRP assistance. If you are seeking assistance and do not meet eligibility criteria for The Homecoming Project, our staff will do our best to provide you with information to help you with your housing needs. This includes referring you to other resources in the community.

For more information about The Homecoming Project, email Janice Humason, Project Coordinator.