for participants

On the Rise offers long-lasting, transformative relationships that foster safety and belonging, respect differences, and build community for you.

are you…

  • Unhoused or don’t have a permanent, safe, secure place to live?

  • A woman, transgender, or nonbinary person?

  • In crisis?

  • Dealing with traumatic physical and/or emotional abuse by people and/or systems?

  • Falling through the cracks of our human service system because of the multiple and complex issues you face like medical issues, mental health concerns, substance use, and/or criminal history?

  • Not using other programs, using other programs but nothing is helping, or are barred from other programs?

  • Living in severe poverty?

we’re here for you…

On your first visit to our day shelter, an Advocate will do an intake to find out how we can be helpful. You do not have to share anything you do not want to.

If On The Rise is not a good fit for what you are looking for, the Advocate will help you find a program that can better meet your needs.

Advocates can help you with lots of issues:

  • homelessness

  • domestic violence

  • sexual abuse

  • mental health issues

  • criminal issues

  • benefits

  • medical issues

  • trouble with the system

Advocates can also meet with you in the community, over the phone, or on a video call. They can go with you to appointments and help with other organizations. Personal support is given at your own pace and trusting relationships are nurtured over time. 

On The Rise also offers a sense of community and belonging for everyone through special programming, services, and resources. Find out more on our What We Do page. We are an LGBTQI-friendly program.

on-sight services

  • Meals

  • Showers

  • Phones

  • Computers

  • Clothing

  • Laundry

  • Toiletries

  • Day-to-day supplies

  • Mailing address

  • Advocacy

  • Lockers.

FOR PARTICIPANTS

Long-lasting, transformative relationships at On The Rise foster safety and belonging, respect differences, and build community. 

Are you…

  • Homeless or lack a permanent, safe, secure place to live?

  • In crisis?

  • Dealing with traumatic physical and/or emotional abuse by people and/or systems?

  • Falling through the cracks of our human service system because of the multiple and complex issues you face?

  • Living in severe poverty?

  • A woman, transgender, or nonbinary person?


Find Out How We Can Help

Drop In

Mon 8:30am - 3:30pm

Tue 12:00pm - 3:30pm

Wed 8:30am - 3:30pm

Thur 9:30am - 3:30pm

Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm

Sat Sun CLOSED

Or Call

(617) 497-7968

Find local listings of community programs such as food support, housing, job training, and more. 

Resources

Keep The Keys: Empowering Independence Through Housing Stabilization and Retention

Our Keep The Keys Program supports individuals as they move into housing and continues to help folks navigate the challenges of living in a new community.

We support participants on their housing journey:

  • Help with housing applications

  • Assistance with moving/start-up costs

  • Provide emergency funds to avoid eviction

  • Connect to community resources

  • Manage finances

  • Help furnish new homes

  • Offer support groups

  • Home visits plan

  • Intervene with property managers and landlords if problems arise

We maintain enduring relationships that support the journey to wellbeing

Our Keep The Keys program was established in 2008, and was in direct response to participant feedback that having consistent service providers that they could trust through the transition to housing was invaluable.

As participants transition to housing, we recognize the challenges it brings and double down on our commitment to providing unwavering support, making sure they continue to feel connected to On The Rise and its community.

Community

On The Rise places special emphasis on community building as a part of the relationship we have with our participants. Our Safe Haven is not just a place to be, but a community to belong to. Through intentional programs and signature events that celebrate important moments throughout the year like the Memorial Garden Ceremony, Summer Cookout, Joy Day, Thanksgiving Feast, and Holiday Party, opportunities are created for shared experiences and meaningful connections.

On The Rise values the diversity of all and believes that no one is beyond help. We work with a broad and deep commitment to end racism, oppression, and all forms of discrimination that divide us. We offer intentional programs, such as our Trans Access Program - TAP; we educate our community, and we lift up the needs of individuals who face various forms of oppression.

We do these things in order to create a community of belonging, safety, and accountability.