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Families Overcoming Challenges Utilizing Support (FOCUS)

Families Overcoming Challenges Utilizing Support (FOCUS) helps families in southeastern Massachusetts who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. FOCUS provides temporary emergency shelter, diversion services, and comprehensive case management through a collaborative and strength-based approach.

The program aims to empower families by offering essential support, education, and resources to achieve housing stability and long-term success. FOCUS serves families across Bristol County, including New Bedford, Fall River, Attleboro, Taunton, and surrounding communities.

Family of four smiling outdoors in front of a building
At a Glance
Helping families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness obtain housing through support, education, and empowerment.

Age

All

Gender

All

Referrals

DHCD
Our Approach

FOCUS employs a collaborative, strength-based approach to support families in need. Once a family is placed in the program, stabilization services help them maintain housing and achieve long-term stability.


Services

FOCUS offers a range of services to assist families, including:

  • Temporary Emergency Shelter: Provides congregate and scattered-site apartments throughout Bristol County, funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
  • Shelter Case Management and Stabilization: Helps families maintain housing stability by coordinating school placement, daycare, medical needs, mental health resources, and more. Additional support includes CORI assistance, budgeting, life skills training, and legal services.
  • Housing Placement: Develops re-housing plans, offers landlord/tenant mediation, and provides transportation for housing-related appointments.
  • Diversion and Prevention: Assists eligible families in securing affordable housing to avoid entering the shelter system.
  • HomeBASE Program: Offers time-limited assistance to families at serious risk of homelessness, providing alternative solutions tailored to each family’s needs.

Workforce Development Initiative

In partnership with SER Jobs for Progress, Inc., and with funding from South Shore Housing Development Corporation and DHCD, FOCUS operates a workforce development initiative to help families obtain and sustain employment.

Our Team

No team members found.

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals come through the Executive Office of Housing in Liveable Communities (EOHLC).

Let's Connect

Bonnie Paiva

Director of Housing Services

(508) 617-4359

[email protected]

Fall River, MA 02720

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.
Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.
Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?


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