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What's New

Partnerships + Funding + Community Support = Reduced Homelessness  Read about Action Emergency Shelter's integrated services

Employment & Training Winter/Spring Program Schedule

¡Aprenda El Inglés!  Learn English!  Aprenda Ingles! Free English classes start January 9th

Action Shelter plans efficiency units Gloucester Daily Times 7/31/06

Action Toy drive missing its 'Mr. Santa Claus' Gloucester Daily Times 7/10/06

Action 41st Annual Meeting Photos 6/14/06

Action housing advocacy Gloucester Daily Times,  May 22, 2006

Action Energy alternative energy programs Boston Globe 4/9/06

"Unity through English language" Gloucester Times editorial 4/14/06

Certified Medical Assistant video Medical Assistant training program introductory video 2/1/06

Click here to read more Action news.

Partnerships + Funding + Community Support = Reduced Homelessness

     The Action Emergency Shelter has made great strides in the last three years. From providing a bed and a meal only, the shelter now provides a full array of case management services. Action’s intent for each shelter guest is to develop a plan of stabilization that leads them to placement in permanent housing.

     Positioning guests for a successful move involves resolving obstacles such as mental illness, lack of income, lack of medical insurance, substance abuse and criminal histories.  Many times, a sequence of misfortunes -- compounded by difficulty in navigating a cumbersome and confusing system of social services -- causes the disenfranchisement which results in homelessness. Having a shelter staff member provide assistance is frequently the initial breakthrough that leads to renewed hope of reentering society.

     Action Shelter staff are supported by a network of professionals. Mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, HIV testing/services and groups all take place on site. Shattuck Shelter in Jamaica Plain, Women RISE of Peabody, and Tri-City Mental Health of Malden are just a few of the organizations that partner with Action Shelter to provide a full range of services.

     The Gloucester Board of Health has also provided on-going support, particularly in dealing with health and insurance related issues. Two months ago, Action held a providers luncheon with representatives of the Mental Health Network (specifically psychiatric hospital units), to discuss their discharge planning and our intake policy. Action’s commitment to providing integrated services through partnerships with affiliated providers has changed the landscape of advocacy for the homeless.

     Our continued effort to work with the Gloucester Housing Authority has resulted in permanent housing placement for several individuals. At present, however, we have twelve approved housing candidates waiting for an apartment in which to move. Lack of housing and availability of project-based section eight vouchers is a major ongoing obstacle.

     Action has been awarded $156,211 in federal funding (with a similar amount pending), and $24,000 in Gloucester Community Development Block Grant funds.  We are also seeking Emergency Shelter Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and MASS Housing matching funds.  Four new units are being proposed for permanent housing at the Action Shelter site, along with a new kitchen and disability access improvements. This project is now in front of the ZBA. A proposal for three more units is pending final approval of funds.

     Action, Inc. is doing its part to house the homeless, but COMMUNITY support now becomes the key. Together, with inter-agency support, we can make a vital difference and reduce homelessness on Cape Ann.