• Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

  • Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

  • Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

  • Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Together we work to restore hope and build brighter futures.

    Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

What We Do

Whether through previous emergency shelter programs or the current Housing First program model, at the Hildebrand we are committed to working in collaboration with families, building on strengths rather than weaknesses; and identifying ways for our families not only to survive, but also to thrive.

  • EMERGENCY SHELTER and TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT

    EMERGENCY SHELTER and TRANSITIONAL SUPPORT

    Our program is designed to help families experiencing homelessness gain more self-sufficiency on their journey. As one of the largest family shelter providers in Massachusetts, in addition to shelter, we offer case management, workshops and trainings, supplemental resources, seasonal support, and more to 126 families in shelter.

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  • STABILIZATION SERVICES

    STABILIZATION SERVICES

    The goal of Stabilization Services is to ensure once families leave shelter they have the support network and tools necessary to maintain self-sufficiency. Stabilization services supports families in identifying community resources, building and maintaining good tenant/landlord relationships, and identifying and eliminating obstacles for continued success.

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  • PERMANENT HOUSING

    PERMANENT HOUSING

    Hildebrand owns and operates a portfolio of 11 units of permanent affordable housing. As a tenant of Hildebrand permanent housing, families have access to supports, services, and resources designed to assist clients in being good neighbors, building positive landlord-tenant relationships, and remaining self-sufficient.

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Successes at Hildebrand

Meet Arianne.

Before coming to Hildebrand, Arianne was living in the Days Inn Hotel in Methuen with four of her children. She made the choice to transfer to Hildebrand because she knew the environment was not good for her children. On her advice to new families entering Hildebrand, she said, “Appreciate it, follow the rules, let the social workers guide you, follow directions to get where you want to. It’s easy – at first I was lost – Hildebrand made such a huge impact.”

Meet Lana.

"My experience with EA shelter was less than memorable prior to being placed here at Hildebrand. Since I've been working with Marc I see a tremendous difference in how people who care about their clients, and their willingness to help make such a meaningful difference in the quality of life. Not only here in shelter, but well into the future. Everyone's outgoing positive attitude is contagious and motivates me to do the best I can to help myself and others around me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have been placed here. I really just wanted to thank the people who have helped me in such a short period of time. It has been a long journey." Check out Lana's full story here!.

Meet Robyn.

At first, she says, “I was scared because I had been through this process once before…the kids were very aggravated and stressed from all the instability.” But with the help of Cristiano, she said, “I learned how to deal with different situations, and I can present myself in a respectful manner. I can deal with life on my own terms.” While at Hildebrand, Robyn enrolled in Hi-SET (GED) classes, completed Cambridge Savings Bank budgeting workshops and “learned to advocate for myself.” Robyn and her two children successfully transitioned out of shelter and moved into permanent, affordable housing in January!

Upcoming Events

  • OPEN HOUSE! - Wednesday, October 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

    OPEN HOUSE! - Wednesday, October 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

    Please join us and bring a guest as we thank the donors and volunteers that support Hildebrand families! Enjoy some appetizers, hear from Shiela Y. Moore, CEO, and a formerly homeless family, and meet Board members and dedicated staff.

    You're welcome to just come and stop by or stay for the entire time! This is a free event hosted by Hildebrand to enable us to meet the friends and neighbors of our shared community and thank them (and you!) for their commitment to our services. Come learn about family homelessness and how you can make a difference for a family in need. Or just enjoy a night with friends and neighbors. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 10th to Krystle Kelly, Director of Development, by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office at (617) 491-5752, x146. All are welcome!

    More Info

    Housing Support Sessions - Third Thursday of Every Month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Housing Support Sessions - Third Thursday of Every Month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Families will have the opportunity to work with different Case Managers on a weekly basis to get assistance completing housing applications, performing housing searches, receive coaching and an introduction to HomeBASE and the HAND Up Fund, identify barriers to housing and gain direction towards resolving them, and touch on other housing related topics. Those who attend will also be able to exchange ideas and information with other families receiving services from Hildebrand. For more information on the Housing Support Sessions, please contact your case manager at 617-491-5752. *Limited to Hildebrand Families only*
    The Parenting Journey - Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

    The Parenting Journey - Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

    We're excited to host another cycle of The Parenting Journey, a series which helps parents become more confident by building on their strengths, resulting in a more nurturing family relationship. Many parents are often best served by first stepping back and reflecting on their own childhood experiences, before they begin to develop concrete goals for improving their relationship with their own children. Facilitated by our own Case Manager, Marisol, and Residential Manager of Morse House, Meaghan, this 12-week workshop series focuses on promoting attitudes that enhance good parenting behaviors as well as providing the tools for parents to effectively model these behaviors at home.The workshop will be held at our main office from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursdays, starting September 14th. Dinner and child care will be provided each week. *Workshop is limited to Hildebrand families.

    More Info

    Leading The Way Home Voucher Information Sessions

    Leading The Way Home Voucher Information Sessions

    Marc Jean-Jacques, Housing Search & Tenant Support Specialist, will be facilitating LTWH voucher information sessions for Hildebrand families who are voucher recipients. If you are one of those families, please send your RSVP to your case manager for one of the following dates: Friday, October 20th from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, Wednesday, November 1st from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, or Saturday, November 18th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Marc will review frequently asked questions about the voucher, how to conduct an apartment search and talk to a landlord, what to look for in an apartment, and how to be a good tenant. You will also learn about Hildebrand's stabilization services.
  • Cooking Matters - Wednesday, November 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM

    Cooking Matters - Wednesday, November 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM

    As part of the No Kids Hungry Campaign, Cooking Matters will be hosting a one-hour workshop focused on how to eat healthy while on a budget. Participants will learn how to find healthiest options, get best value for fruits and vegetables, compare unit prices to find bargains, understand food labels, find whole grains, and stick to their budget! Childcare and Spanish translation will be provided. *Workshop is limited to Hildebrand families.
    Stretching a Tight Budget and Earning More Money - Wednesday, November 15th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM

    Stretching a Tight Budget and Earning More Money - Wednesday, November 15th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM

    Evan Diamond of Cambridge Savings Bank is back at Hildebrand to facilitate a workshop that will cover topics ranging from stretching a tight budget, tracking expenses, creative savings, what to look for in employment, and how to find a job. Light refreshments will be served. To attend, RSVP to your case manager. *Workshop is limited to Hildebrand families.
    Leading The Way Home Voucher Information Sessions

    Leading The Way Home Voucher Information Sessions

    Marc Jean-Jacques, Housing Search & Tenant Support Specialist, will be facilitating LTWH voucher information sessions for Hildebrand families who are voucher recipients. If you are one of those families, please send your RSVP to your case manager for one of the following dates: Friday, October 20th from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, Wednesday, November 1st from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, or Saturday, November 18th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Marc will review frequently asked questions about the voucher, how to conduct an apartment search and talk to a landlord, what to look for in an apartment, and how to be a good tenant. You will also learn about Hildebrand's stabilization services.
    Housing Support Sessions - Third Thursday of every month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Housing Support Sessions - Third Thursday of every month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Families will have the opportunity to work with different Case Managers on a weekly basis to get assistance completing housing applications, performing housing searches, receive coaching and an introduction to HomeBASE and the HAND Up Fund, identify barriers to housing and gain direction towards resolving them, and touch on other housing related topics. Those who attend will also be able to exchange ideas and information with other families receiving services from Hildebrand. For more information on the Housing Support Sessions, please contact your case manager at 617-491-5752. *Limited to Hildebrand Families only*
    The Parenting Journey - Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM beginning October 27th

    The Parenting Journey - Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM beginning October 27th

    We're excited to host another cycle of The Parenting Journey, a series which helps parents become more confident by building on their strengths, resulting in a more nurturing family relationship. Many parents are often best served by first stepping back and reflecting on their own childhood experiences, before they begin to develop concrete goals for improving their relationship with their own children. Facilitated by our own Case Manager, Marisol, and Residential Manager of Morse House, Meaghan, this 12-week workshop series focuses on promoting attitudes that enhance good parenting behaviors as well as providing the tools for parents to effectively model these behaviors at home.The workshop will be held at our main office from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursdays, starting September 14th. Dinner and child care will be provided each week. *Workshop is limited to Hildebrand families.

    More Info

    Thanksgiving Deliveries - More Details to Come

    Thanksgiving Deliveries - More Details to Come

    This year, we will again be partnering with an incredible donor, Trevor Laliberte, to provide turkeys and the fixings so that families in shelter and our stabilization program are able to cook Thanksgiving meals. We're looking for volunteers to help sort and deliver bags. If you are interested in getting involved, please feel free to contact Krystle Kelly, Director of Development, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 617-491-5752, x146.

Do you want to help support Hildebrand?

Hildebrand At-a-Glance

In FY'17, we partnered 321 families, 226 in shelter, 84 in our stabilization program and 11 in permanent housing.

In FY'17, we partnered 321 families, 226 in shelter, 84 in our stabilization program and 11 in permanent housing.

During FY'17, seventy-one (71) families successfully transitioned out of shelter and moved into permanent housing.

During FY'17, seventy-one (71) families successfully transitioned out of shelter and moved into permanent housing.

Of the 226 families in shelter, 279 were adults while 398 were children, nearly 60% of the population.

Of the 226 families in shelter, 279 were adults while 398 were children, nearly 60% of the population.

297 children received gifts during the holidays in December, thanks to the support of many local donors!

297 children received gifts during the holidays in December, thanks to the support of many local donors!

27% of the heads of household were enrolled in school or a training program while 41% were working either part-time or full-time jobs

27% of the heads of household were enrolled in school or a training program while 41% were working either part-time or full-time jobs

Hildebrand is a proud member of the Central Square Business Association

Hildebrand is a proud member of the Central Square Business Association

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Contact

614 Massachusetts Avenue
Third Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139

Ph: 617-491-5752
F: 617-491-2385
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
*congregate living programs are staffed 24/7

About Us

Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc. partners with families experiencing homelessness. We provide shelter, permanent housing, work readiness programs, and life skill development. We restore hope and build brighter futures.