• 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

  • Housing Clinics - Mondays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

    Housing Clinics - Mondays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 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 Clinics, please contact your case manager at 617-491-5752. *Limited to Hildebrand Families only*
    Landlord & Tenant Relationships - Thursday, June 7th 6:00 to 7:00 PM

    Landlord & Tenant Relationships - Thursday, June 7th 6:00 to 7:00 PM

    Housing Search & Tenant Support Specialist, Marc Jean-Jacques is facilitating this workshop on cultivating and maintaining good landlord-tenant relationships. Marc will go over topics such as:
    • What do landlords look for in a tenant?
    • How to maintain a good relationship with your landlord for a positive landlord reference
    • Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

    To reserve your spot, please reach out to your case manager. Thsi workshop is being at Strathcona House on Thursday, June 7th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. *Workshops are limited to Hildebrand families. Translation will be available.
    Budget Buddies Series - Begins on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:30 to 7:30 PM

    Budget Buddies Series - Begins on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:30 to 7:30 PM

    Budget Buddies is a 6 month financial empowerment program for low-income women. You’ll learn how to cut your expenses, pay down your debt, create a budget you can follow, and more. You'll be paired up with a volunteer who will work with you independently every other week to work specifically with your budget. This program will be run at Strathcona House on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. To reserve your spot, reach out to your case manager. *Workshop is limited to Hildebrand families.
    Jayden's Summer Camp Fund

    Jayden's Summer Camp Fund

    The fund is named in honor of Jayden Mclurkin, granddaughter of longtime Board Member, Wendell Bourne, who did not live long enough to reach the age of campership. We began sponsoring children for summer camp in 2015, and this program was established as a means of helping working families in need of quality summer activities for their children. School age children who are not engaged in quality summer activities tend to fall behind their peers in September, and children experiencing homelessness are particularly at high risk.

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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.