Service-Enriched Housing

Abby’s House provides a total of 78 units of affordable, service-enriched housing at three separate locations in the historic Crown Hill neighborhood of downtown Worcester. Seventy-one units are single-room occupancy units for low-income women, and seven units are two-bedroom apartments for low-income women with children.

Our tenants struggle to make ends meet on poverty level wages and income. Many also live with the after-effects of long-term abuse and suffer from mental and physical health problems. Each resident works with an advocate who provides counseling and referrals to community resources. Advocates help residents obtain public benefits, and collaborate with the residents’ other service providers, such as case managers and mental health providers, to ensure they receive the support needed to achieve the greatest possible independence. There is no formal time-limit for our housing, but each resident has a service plan that includes finding subsidized or private housing in the community. The average length of stay for most residents is two years.

In order to provide housing for women and children living in poverty, we keep our rental fees well below the market rate. Rents cover about 50% of the costs of running the housing program. The remainder of costs is covered by unrestricted donations from individuals and community groups, and foundation grants.

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