Founded in 1999 by local realtors concerned about the rising costs of housing and committed to
maintaining diversity in Cambridge, CHAF has helped nearly 1,500 homeless and near homeless individuals
and families find permanent housing by assisting with the initial costs of renting an apartment
Now in its thirteenth year, the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund has raised hundreds of thousands of
dollars. In fact, in 2010 alone, CHAF raised $155,000, which aided more than
80 households. To
date, CHAF has raised more than $1,600,000 to open doors for nearly 1,500 households
along the way.
CHAF has grown from a fledgling group of concerned citizens into
a citywide coalition including the Cambridge banking community,
Harvard University, city officials, individuals and other businesses
committed to opening doors for the homeless.
By supplementing rental startup costs, the Cambridge Housing
Assistance Fund has assisted more than
1,500 households with the transition into a stable home from life in a
shelter, on the street or on the verge of near homeless.
Hopefully, CHAF has dispelled some stereotypes along the way.
Many of CHAF's homeless are working families who have fallen on
some hard times and need a "hand up" to get back on their feet. With
counseling and follow up support services from our
agency partners, 95 percent of the
people helped by the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund are still in their homes a year after receiving
assistance.
From 1999-2007 CHAF held an annual benefit concert at Sanders Theatre, generously provided by Harvard University.
