WORCESTER—Worcester is among many communities taking action to combat a growing housing crisis, as new initiatives from city officials and community organizations aim to address a nearly 20% rise in homelessness across the county from 2023 to 2024.
The city has used the old Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) building at 611 Main St. as a temporary winter shelter managed by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council. Since opening on Dec. 2, 2024, the RMV shelter has served 127 guests so far and served 10,620 meals total, according to Tom Matthews, the city’s media and public relations administrator.
“South Middlesex Opportunity Council’s (SMOC) case management staff works with guests to obtain their vital documents,” said Matthews, “makes referrals to medical and behavioral health services, and applies for permanent housing options during their stay at the shelter. So far, four individuals have been assisted to relocate to permanent housing back with family members.”
Additionally, in November of 2024, Worcester announced a partnership with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) to establish a day resource center at 134 Gold St. The 20,000-square-foot facility, expected to open in 2026, provides essential services including bathrooms, showers, charging stations, laundry facilities, and storage lockers for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“This is a big step forward for the city, as outlined in our municipal strategic plan,” said City Manager Eric Batista, “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 $4 million project, partially funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest, comes as Worcester County faces increasing housing pressures. The region’s two largest cities, Worcester and Fitchburg, have seen substantial rent increases, with median monthly rates reaching $2,000 and $1,700 respectively. Approximately half of all county renters are now considered cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing expenses.
“The WPD offers homeless transportation to a shelter and other resources,” Joseph Cersosimo, Worcester police department spokesperson, explained. “When freezing weather is on the way, we increase outreach efforts. Officers also accompany Health and Human Services workers to meet up with the unhoused a few times a week to offer them services.”
Worcester Mayor Joe Petty said that there are “several things” he’s excited about as it relates to housing in the city, including the rollout of the Municipal Strategic Plan and witnessing potentially thousands of units being built.
“I am also excited about the implementation of the Housing Bond Bill through the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary [Ed] Augustus’ ongoing work in trying to meet the demand for units in the state,” said Petty. “We are also working with Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance to plan out the logistics for a Day Resource Center and will be looking forward to the design and construction of the project.”
However, Worcester’s shelter system faces significant challenges. Many facilities operate at capacity with lengthy waiting lists, making immediate placement difficult. Substance abuse issues complicate the situation further. “The biggest challenge is getting homeless people to agree to go to a shelter,” said Cersosimo. “Also, the availability of shelters because there are waiting lists for rooms. Another challenge is getting people sober and helping them to stay sober. People need assistance from programs that will monitor them for an extended period of time to help keep them on track.”
When asked what some of the biggest challenges in helping the homeless secure shelter, Cersosimo added, “The biggest trend we are seeing is people from out of town are coming to Worcester for services.”
CMHA Executive Director Leah Bradley described the center’s impact, saying, “The Day Resource Center will enhance the current service system and assist folks in accessing housing more quickly. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city and our community partners to provide services like this that help those who are unhoused find safe, permanent housing.”
Bradley added that seniors are a growing population that are encountering homelessness. In fact, there are three distinct groups that dominate the numbers: homeowners who don’t have the income to afford repairs, which then makes their homes unliveable; newly homeless seniors who can’t afford rent or are on a fixed income and don’t use the traditional shelter system; and those who have been experiencing homelessness long term and are aging.
She also mentioned that her organization is helping out with providing shelter to women who have experienced trafficking, as well as youth, and the LGBTQ+ community.
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Additionally, the Worcester City Council recently approved a resolution supporting a dedicated women’s homeless shelter, following advocacy by Project Priceless, an organization helping women escape prostitution.
“We are definitely concerned about the increased demand for shelter, especially among families, many of whom are immigrant families and/or lower income workers that are essential to our economy,” said Melody MacLean, senior director of communications at Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “We are exploring investments beyond our traditional grantmaking to address the immense challenge of affordable housing in Worcester County, including a $1 million low-interest line of credit to Worcester County housing resources for early-stage funding of affordable housing projects.”
Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn explained that a city’s funding structure is based on population and demographics, and that Worcester is classified as an “entitlement community” according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“We receive federal funding through their programs every year that contribute to the creation and preservation of affordable housing as well as supportive services,” he said.
Paul TonThat, executive director of Worcester Community Housing Resources, highlighted both the promise and challenges of addressing the city’s housing needs. “I’m excited because I think permanent supportive housing is critical, and it’s a necessary step to help folks who are formerly homeless find homes,” he told The Worcester Guardian.
However, he acknowledged the complexities involved in developing affordable housing. “Most of the funding now comes through low-income housing tax credits. And I think that what you can see is that we as a society barely keep up with regular housing development. If you are looking to do affordable housing, it is much more complex, has much more regulation, and is much more difficult.”
TonThat emphasized that long-term solutions require collaboration. “It’s difficult work, and it’s work that we can’t do by ourselves,” he said. “We have to do that in collaboration with service providers who provide services to residents.”
Matt Olszewski is a freelance content and news writer based in Boston, MA. In his free time, Matt enjoys running, hiking or skiing. Matt recently graduated with his MPH from Tufts University. He can be reached at mattoskier@gmail.com
