Our mission is to provide homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with individualized supportive services and tailored housing solutions with a goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. The Somerville Homeless Coalition was created by the community’s grassroots response to the social crisis of homelessness in 1985.

Today, SHC transforms lives by providing services, support, and housing for over 5,900 individuals.

Hayley was first introduced to Bobby in November 2021 while he was working on getting his Section 8 voucher and the two hit it off right away. Bobby had been a lifelong Cambridge resident and was hoping to once again live in the city he called home.

Not long after meeting, Bobby had an important court appeal which would end up changing the outlook of his housing journey. The court hearing just so happened to be on the same day as our annual Thanksgiving client dinner. Knowing how important the hearing was for him, Hayley decided to skip the Thanksgiving meal so that she could be at the courthouse to support Bobby. 

This became a pivotal point for Bobby as he realized that he didn’t have to manage everything on his own. From that day forward Bobby began checking in with Hayley almost every day and together they worked towards getting Bobby housed. 

“I’m coming straight to you because you’re my favorite, you’re the best, I love ya!” – Bobby

Finally in the summer of 2022, after a year-long journey and 5 months on a waitlist, Bobby got the keys to his own apartment and is proud to be living in Cambridge again. And even though Bobby has taken the next step in his journey, he makes sure to stop by our Engagement Center regularly to check in with his bestie Hayley.

“A big part of Outreach is relationship building, it really is the foundation. People who don’t know how to get help, those are who you look to help.” – Hayley