The Homecoming Project is an HPRP program to assist
homeless individuals as well as individuals imminently facing homelessness.
The project is funded by the City of Springfield to Catholic Charities
through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). Friends of
the Homeless and Catholic Charities are working together on the Homecoming
Project to successfully serve 320 individuals with obtaining or maintaining
housing over the 24 month funding period.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Homecoming Project
What geographical area does this Project
serve?
The Homecoming Project HPRP program serves eligible individuals in
the Springfield community.
What are HPRP services?
The HPRP program provides diversion and re-housing services to help
individuals obtain or remain in housing. These services may include
case management and short-term financial assistance.
For example, if you are a Springfield resident facing eviction, diversion
services may be provided at the Housing Court hearing. Or if you are
homeless in shelter, you may be able to obtain housing more quickly
and not need to stay in shelter as long with re-housing services.
What is HPRP eligibility criteria?
HPRP eligibility for individuals includes housing status, income eligibility,
Springfield residency, and having relatively few barriers to obtaining
and maintaining housing.
Who meets eligibility criteria?
Our screening and intake processes will help determine your eligibility
for HPRP, or an alternative “next step” in meeting your
housing needs. Agencies may refer to HPRP by using our screening and
referral process. Once screened for HPRP, eligibility is determined
by an in-person consultation with HPRP staff.
Appointments are scheduled weekly at Friends of the Homeless and Catholic
Charities for individuals who screen in for HPRP.
Who do I contact to determine my eligibility?
Please contact Friends of the Homeless at 413-734-3069 if you are
homeless and meet one of the homeless criteria listed below. Please
contact Catholic Charities at 413-452-0605 if you are at risk of becoming
homeless due to eviction from housing in Springfield.
• Homeless: staying in shelter, a place not meant for
human habitation,
leaving or timing out of transitional housing, or a recent DV victim.
• At risk of becoming homeless with a pending Housing Court
hearing or
in Housing Court.
What if I do not meet HPRP eligibility criteria?
Not all individuals will be eligible for HPRP assistance. If you are
seeking assistance and do not meet eligibility criteria for The Homecoming
Project, our staff will do our best to provide you with information
to help you with your housing needs. This includes
referring you to other resources in the community.
For more information about The Homecoming Project
call Eryn Tobin at 413- 452-0605.