Participatory Budgeting Proposal for A Homeless Day Center

Issue: Homelessness in Central Square

Problem Statement: Earlier this year a Cambridge City Councilor was assaulted while discussing with news crew the growing issue of homelessness in the Cambridge and Boston areas. The assailant himself was unhoused. As the population of unhoused peoples continues to grow in Cambridge, the city must go beyond offering shelter from the cold nights and take more initiative in proactively helping these people get into permanent housing.

Short Description: This proposal aims to create a day center for the unhoused living in Central Square to be able to conduct necessary operations related to hygiene, survival, maintaining a job, and obtaining more permanent housing. 

Long Description: Creating a day center for the unhoused will give them a place to go during the day where they can do productive work and remain connected to the city. Those who have health conditions that may make them dangerous to others on the street can be monitored and helped. Those who work at night can also find a place to sleep during the day. Having a place where they can work through important documents relating to their work or financial situation is also important.

Cost: I estimate about $1,000,000 would be needed to build a permanent space. A semi-permanent space could be leased and opened with some operations available for half that.

Location: 40 Prospect St, Cambridge MA. This is currently on a database of vacant storefronts in central square, and would be an excellent use of the space as a temporary location until a more permanent and larger space is available to offer more comprehensive care.