WORCESTER—The city is collaborating with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) to establish a Day Resource Center aimed at addressing the needs of the city’s homeless population.
Last Tuesday, officials announced that CMHA’s proposal to acquire and manage the properties at 134 Gold Street and the adjacent parking lot at 5 Sargent St. was accepted, paving the way for the project.
The upcoming Day Resource Center will provide a centralized location where individuals experiencing homelessness can access a variety of critical services. Designed to improve connections to housing, employment, and other resources, the center offers daytime access to facilities such as bathrooms, showers, charging stations, laundry, and storage lockers.
A step toward strategic goals
City Manager Eric Batista thanked CMHA and other stakeholders for advancing the initiative in a statement: “I want to thank Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Economic Development, and all our community partners who have worked tirelessly to help identify a location and make a purchase possible to open a Day Resource Center.”
“This is a big step forward for the city,” he continued, “as outlined in our municipal Strategic Plan, and will help us connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the services they need to secure housing and employment. This is another example of community partnerships working together to uplift the city.”
The project represents a vital addition to the city’s efforts to address homelessness. A centralized facility will enable outreach workers and community partners to connect more effectively with individuals in need. CMHA’s Chief Executive Officer Leah Bradley underscored the importance of this collaboration. “The City has been a committed partner in addressing homelessness in Worcester. Their prioritization of this service is a testament to their ongoing support for those experiencing homelessness,” Bradley said. “The Day Resource Center will enhance the current service system and assist folks in accessing housing more quickly.”
Vision for the future
The 20,000-square-foot, two-story building at 134 Gold Street will undergo significant renovations to accommodate the center. The facility is expected to open in 2026, supported by funding that includes $4 million conditionally committed from the municipality, with additional resources drawn from interest generated by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The new center will play a crucial role in addressing equity and accessibility for vulnerable populations in Worcester. “The Day Resource Center will serve as a bridge for individuals to access essential services, paving a path toward stability and permanent housing,” said Bradley in a press release.
By consolidating resources and providing a welcoming environment for all individuals experiencing homelessness, Worcester’s Day Resource Center aims to offer a sustainable and supportive solution to one of the city’s most pressing challenges.
