$1,000 was given to a newly arrived Ethiopian family of five for a partial security deposit. The family worked very hard in order to find their apartment and then save for move-in costs. They volunteered at the Cambridge Furniture Bank and the father worked two jobs in order to help his family. They were able to make arrangements with their landlord to paint the apartment in exchange for a reduced security deposit.  $350 was given to a young, single mom with a new baby for a partial security deposit. The mother had been living with family until the head of household passed away from illness. She was then invited to live with her stepsister but due to her pregnancy she had to leave, becoming homeless. She worked until the eighth month of her pregnancy and saved for most of her security deposit. $1,050 was given to a 58-year-old woman for a security deposit. She had been living in the shelter system in Cambridge and was able to move into an apartment of her own. Despite budgeting and saving carefully, she lives on a limited disability income and would not have been able to move out of the shelters without CHAF's help. $975 was given to a family who had to relocate due to domestic violence. The family lived in the same complex with extended family members who were sympathetic to the mother's batterer. The mother was able to locate another apartment where she and her children would feel safe, but had not yet saved up the amount for the full security deposit. CHAF provided $275 to a 57-year-old woman who has no income and had been homeless for two years while she searched for a job. The $275 paid her security deposit, membership fee and six months rent for a room at the Cambridge YWCA, providing much needed security and peace of mind.

Distributing the Funds

The Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund works diligently to ensure that every donation reaches the individuals and families most in need in our community.  That's why CHAF partners with three local organizations deeply involved in the Cambridge community to distribute funds raised by CHAF. 

HomeStart, the Cambridge Multi-Service Center for the Homeless and the Cambridge Housing Authority are key CHAF allies in the fight to end homelessness. 

Because each of these organizations works so closely with the homeless and near homeless, they are the organizations best equipped to identify the individuals and families who are struggling to maintain a roof over their heads. 

An approval committee, comprised of staff from HomeStart, the Cambridge Multi-Service Center and the Cambridge Housing Authority, disperses grants based on need and expected housing retention. The approval committee grants monies based on criteria agreed upon by the Cambridge Community of Realtors.

The organizations then distribute funds to individuals and families in need - forever altering the course of their lives.  This is how your donation makes a difference in our community.  

Housing Services

HomeStart and the Cambridge Multi-Service Center also provide housing search and support services. Support services offered include information and referral to affordable housing programs; housing search support groups; access to telephone, voice mail and transportation resources; assistance negotiating with property owners and managers and case management services supporting access to healthcare, community service agencies, education and employment programs and home-based services.

Additionally, staff provide stabilization services following a family's move to their new home. These stabilization services increase the long term stability of the tenant and the likelihood that they will fulfill all the terms of their lease.

Cambridge Housing Authority

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) provides safe, high-quality affordable housing to Cambridge low-income families, elders and special needs households. The CHA is a high-performing, national leader in the field of public housing. CHA-owned units plus leased housing placements make up some 10 percent of the city's total rental stock.

In addition to basic programs, the Cambridge Housing Authority administers a variety of special and innovative housing initiatives. These include a tenant homeownership program, several elderly congregate programs, several special needs residences, a single room occupancy program and a tenant services program that has won national awards and recognition for effectiveness in working with youth, children and adults.