WHO ARE WE: The South Coast Regional Network to End Homelessness is one of 10 regional networks across the state supported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Fireman Foundation as part of its five-year plan to end homelessness by 2013. Serving the cities and towns of Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Westport, the Network includes dozens of service providers, municipalities, and state agencies to maximize collaboration, resources and best practices for greater success.
WHY ARE WE HERE: Across the Commonwealth, about 3,000 families are homeless. With shelters full, approximately 1,000 families are living in motels across the state, costing the Commonwealth over $3 million each month. Right here in the South Coast there are about 110 homeless families, 806 homeless individuals of which more than 175 are chronically homeless individuals. This crisis requires new solutions.
WHAT DO WE DO: The Network forms the basis for the new approach to solving homelessness and is spearheading its implementation across the region. This approach seeks to preserve or provide housing first, with the appropriate support services to go with it, in order to effectively reduce homelessness. The South Coast Regional Network is in sharp contrast to a long-standing system that unintentionally drove families and individuals to shelters as the quickest resource for housing and social service support. The Network approach has a proven track record of success across the country, including right here in Massachusetts.
HOW DO WE DO IT: The Network provides close to $400,000 in funding for diversion, prevention, prevention, re-housing and evaluation services across the nineteen cities and towns served. It also serves as a central resource for coördination and collaboration among all providers and city and state agencies working to end homelessness. The Leadership Council, which includes civic, business, academic, faith-based and non-profit leaders from the cities and towns, oversees the Network, providing vision, support and guidance in the effort to end homelessness on the South Coast of Massachusetts. This Network is convened by the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton.