CHAF was founded ten years ago by a group of Cambridge realtors concerned about the community effects of rising housing costs. Over the course of the last decade, CHAF has raised more than $1.2 million to help over 1,300 local households with the transition to a stable home. Ninety-five percent of those assisted by CHAF remain in their homes one year later. With the effects of the recent economic downturn and the consequences of the turbulence caused by Section 8 cuts still playing out, CHAF’s work remains essential to the community.
An overview of the history and mission of CHAF prompts a deeper exploration of issues surrounding homelessness in Cambridge. Some years ago, concerns about the community-wide effects of homelessness along with increasing violence among the homeless population prompted the submission of a multidisciplinary report to the City Manager. This report provided an overview of homelessness and related “nuisance behaviors” in the city and also presented recommendations for policy and programs. More recently, the City of Cambridge released a “Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Cambridge,” which discusses both approaches and obstacles to addressing homelessness citywide.
One of the greatest obstacles to addressing issues of homelessness in Cambridge is an inability to provide a definitive census on the homeless population. It is widely accepted that official numbers underestimate the homeless population, but we can only guess by how much. The community does offer a valuable mix of residential services, emergency and transient shelters, and affordable housing initiatives which comprise the so-called “Continuum of Care.” While this network of organizations provides essential programs and support, it is virtually impossible to determine the precise demand for these services. Inaccurate numbers can also interfere with effective implementation of state and federal support, which puts greater pressure on local organizations.
Cambridge’s Continuum of Care offers programs not only for those who are currently homeless but also for those in danger of losing their housing. CHAF plays a vital role in this dual approach, which is especially critical in the current economic climate where loss of housing is a genuine possibility for a much wider segment of the population than before. Thanks to CHAF and other participants in the Continuum of Care, there is also extensive community awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness in Cambridge. Home Sweet Home offers a great chance to get involved, simply by eating dessert. Supporting the Continuum, you could say, is as easy as apple pie – which just might win the evening’s Best Non-Chocolate Dessert prize.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I am reading your blog with interest. Thanks for informative and fun coverage of issues and events. And what a comprehensive list of Cambridge non-profits! I am having fun clicking on the links and learning what each organization is about. Thanks again!