resident programS
About
CNAHS’s Resident Services Program offers a wide range of programming and assistance to residents living in our housing portfolio. We focus on identifying and addressing residents’ diverse needs and providing appropriate support and information. Resident input plays a large role in determining the scope of our programs.
Financial services
FSS+ Program
CNAHS’s Financial Stability and Savings (FSS+) program is designed to support residents in accomplishing specific financial goals and building a stable financial future. It is run in partnership with the Cambridge Housing Authority. Program participants establish financial goals and meet with a financial coach to achieve them. Some goals include: home ownership, paying down debt, saving for college, retirement and more. FSS participants receive an FSS+ interest-bearing account, which has proven to be an effective way to save for financial goals and achieve more financial stability.
To be eligible you must:
Be a current CHA, MTW or HCV housing voucher recipient (Compass can help you find out if you qualify)
Be a CNAHS tenant in good standing
Be willing and able to work (participants do not have to be employed in order to enroll)
Contact Compass or CNAHS to find out if this program is right for you!
Education Services
Scholarship Program
CNAHS has offered scholarship programs to our residents since 2006. In that time, we have awarded over $1,000,000 to more than 70 individuals. Whether you are looking to attend a two- or four-year undergraduate college program or to get a professional certification, we have support for you! Awards range from $500 to $5,000 for eligible applicants who are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education. There is no age limit for these scholarships. Residents are encouraged to apply for this scholarship each academic year until they obtain their degree.
2022 applications are now closed. Information for 2023 applications will be available early next year.
For more information on these scholarships, please call Joe Deignan at 617-868-4858 x210 or email at jdeignan@homeownersrehab.org.
“The program helped me fund my undergraduate expenses, it took a lot of financial stress off of my mother and me in terms of trying to make sure all tuition expenses were paid for.”
Social Services
Hoarding intervention
CNAHS partners with Metro Housing Boston to provide one-to-one case management services to individuals living in hoarded or cluttered units. Case managers work closely with residents to gradually de-clutter units so that they remain safe and clean and will pass inspection. This service is offered at no charge to residents.
Food Insecurity Services
CNAHS implemented new programming focused on combating food insecurity within our portfolio in 2017. Our residents completed surveys reporting that food costs, market accessibility and travel were the three main barriers that they faced when attempting to access healthy, affordable foods. Many of our residents either walk or rely on public transportation for shopping, which makes it difficult for them to transport large quantities of groceries and access fresh, affordable food. CNAHS has developed several programs aimed to address these issues.
Market in the park
CNAHS and our community partners hold a series of no cost farmers markets at four locations from July through October (Trolley Square, Inman Square, Columbia Terrace and Putnam Green). Markets consist of fresh produce and other goods donated by Food for Free & Boston Area Gleaners. All items are made available free of charge. Several markets also include cooking demonstrations, free books, and tabling by representatives from local social service agencies.
On-Site Food Pantries
Monthly food pantry donations and services, provided by Food for Free and supported by resident services staff, are offered at Putnam Square and Inman Square Apartments. The Cornucopia Food Pantry at 808 Memorial Drive also receives food donations and opens to residents 2 to 3 times a month.
Books and Breakfast
Resident service staff and volunteers host monthly community breakfasts for youth ages 5 and up at both 808 Memorial Drive and Trolley Square. We provide free books and a hot, nutritious breakfast. Each session features a different activity and a reading or performance by local authors and artists.
Aging in Place
CNAHS works closely with Somerville Cambridge Elder Services and the Cambridge Council on Aging to provide information and referrals to in-home care and local resources for senior residents. We also provide frequent on-site activities, workshops and events for residents living in our senior properties.
Please feel free to reach out for more information on current programming and upcoming events:
Joe Deignan
Director of Community Engagement
(617) 868-4858 x. 210
jdeignan@homeownersrehab.org