Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance leads coordinated efforts to prevent homelessness and provide housing support to individuals and families in crisis throughout Worcester County.

CMHA combines direct assistance with systemic support to prevent and combat homelessness:

• Emergency shelter and family stabilization
• Rental and utility arrears assistance (e.g., RAFT program)
• Housing counseling and navigation services
• Furniture donations for households transitioning from homelessness
• Public education and homelessness advocacy

CMHA serves Worcester County with services and advocacy outreach:

• Worcester (RAFT applications)
• Worcester County including Auburn, Boylston, Grafton, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, Paxton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, Worcester
• Regional coordination through county-wide partnerships

The agency supports:

• Families and individuals facing housing instability or at risk of homelessness
• Households needing short-term assistance to remain housed
• Individuals transitioning from shelter to permanent housing

CMHA maintains local visibility and outreach through:

• Walk-in hours and community resource center days
• Public events like the annual Walk for the Homeless
• Communications with congregations, schools, and municipal partners

Operations are supported through a blend of funding channels:

• State and federal grants (including RAFT and CoC funds)
• Donations and in-kind contributions (e.g., furniture clearinghouse)
• Fundraising events and community sponsorships

Partnerships amplify CMHA’s services:

• Continuum of Care (CoC) network in Central Massachusetts
• Massachusetts RAFT program collaboration
• Furniture Donations Clearinghouse (in partnership with local nonprofits)
• “Hope for Housing” initiative and advocacy coalitions

Most Significant / Surprising Fact

CMHA provides free furniture and household goods to families leaving shelter, helping them set up their new homes with dignity at no cost. This is a unique service that addresses a vital need during housing transitions.

Training Required for Staff Positions

Staff must complete HMIS data training and housing counselor certification

Experience and Education Required for Hiring of Staff

Roles typically require experience in housing services, case management, or social service delivery

Training Requirements / Opportunities for Staff

Staff have access to ongoing training through Continuum of Care networks, RAFT workshops, and regional advocacy coalitions

• Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. (n.d.). About. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.cmhaonline.org/ 
• Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance. (n.d.). Programs. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.cmhaonline.org/programs 
• Worcester City of Worcester. (2024). Worcester partners with CMHA to launch Day Resource Center. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.worcesterma.gov/announcements/worcester-partners-central-massachusetts-housing-alliance-open-day-resource-center 
• Furniture Bank Network. (n.d.). Central MA Housing Alliance Donations Clearinghouse. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://furniturebanks.org/directory/central-ma-housing-alliance-donations-clearinghouse/