New Beginnings Reentry Services

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New Beginnings Reentry

Links to Housing Resources

Safe and stable housing is particularly important for women to ensure their physical and emotional safety immediately following release. Having a secure place to live can minimize the risk of women returning to or relying on unhealthy relationships to meet basic needs. NBRS is committed to ensuring safe and stable housing located away from prior abusive or unhealthy relationships with space for the woman to make her transition back into the community a positive and productive experience.  

Available Affordable Units

  • Metrolist: All affordable housing developments in Boston must list available units with Metrolist. Please contact their office to find currently available units at [email protected] or 617.635.3321.

  • CHAPA Lotteries and Resales Listings: The Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association lists lotteries and resales on affordable ownership opportunities.

  • MassAccess Housing Registry: This database lists available units across Eastern Massachusetts, and highlights accessible/barrier-free homes for persons with disabilities.

  • MBHP Apartment Listings: Metro Housing|Boston affordable rental apartments. 

  • MassHousing: MassHousing helps create affordable housing in Boston and keeps a list of available affordable ownership and rental units.

Low-Income and Public Units

  • Boston Housing Authority: The Boston Housing Authority provides subsidized housing opportunities to low-income residents and administers the Section 8 voucher program for Boston. Contact the BHA at 617.988.4200.
  • HUD Low Rent Apartment Search: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development keeps a searchable database of low-rent units nationwide

Eviction Prevention/Landlord Disputes

If you are at risk of losing your housing, please contact:

Emergency Shelter

If you have lost your housing, and need help finding emergency or transitional housing, please contact:

  • Emergency Shelter Commission: The Emergency Shelter Commission at the Boston Public Health Commission helps with referrals to emergency housing services.

  • The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community a Development has a guide to homelessness resources. Click on your town or city to get links to local resources. 

Housing for People with Disabilities

General Affordable Housing Counseling

  • Metro Housing|Boston: Metro Housing|Boston’s Housing Portal is the agency’s “Front Door”.    The portal offers information and referrals, brief counseling, education and workshops, and emergency financial assistance. Metro Housing|Boston also administer’s the State Section 8 voucher program. Contact them at [email protected] or 617.859.0400.

Additional Agencies Related to Affordable Housing City of Boston

  • Neighborhood Housing Development: The Neighborhood Housing Development program of the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development works with non-profit and for-profit partners to develop and preserve affordable housing. 617.635.3880

  • Boston Home Center: The Boston Home Center of the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development helps Boston residents purchase, improve, and keep their homes. They offer training and financial help to first-time homebuyers; guidance and funding for homeowners for home improvements; and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure. 617.635.HOME (617.635.4663)

Community Development Corporations

LINKS to Health Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a number of risks since its spread in early 2020. Even those not directly affected by the virus may experience health risks associated with lockdowns, social distancing, and other protective measures designed to keep people safe. This year has also seen a spike in mental health issues due to COVID-19. The pandemic has led to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and helplessness; more people have reported considering suicide in the past year because of the pandemic. Mental health issues can cause people to turn to substances, such as alcohol or prescription drugs, to self-medicate or escape their problems.  Unfortunately, using any kind of substance may cause more issues down the road.

Substance Abuse During COVID-19

Substance use has gone up significantly since March 2020. Increased anxiety and fear, lack of social support, and ease of access to substances are among the most significant reasons. Increased stress, anxiety, and fear are all common during a pandemic. To cope, you may look to substances for temporary relief. Unfortunately, this relief can be harmful to your overall health. Alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications are some of the most commonly abused substances during the pandemic.

Alcohol

Many people cite depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as reasons for alcohol abuse. These issues have increased since the pandemic started, which means that alcohol abuse is likely on the rise.

Tobacco

Tobacco may increase your risk of COVID-related complications. Smoking and vaping puts you at risk for lung damage, and COVID is a respiratory disease. If you contract COVID after smoking heavily, you may be less equipped to fight it.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs such as Xanax, Ritalin, and Adderall are often prescribed to treat mental health issues. They are also common targets for abuse. In a time where more people are looking for ways to cope, risk of prescription drug abuse is significant.

Illicit Drugs

Lockdowns and social distancing guidelines may prevent some people from obtaining illicit drugs. Some people in Italy, for example, have been reported for breaking quarantine in order to search for drugs. This poses several new health risks, including overdose.

Drug Overdose During COVID-19

Although comprehensive data regarding COVID and drug overdose is hard to come by, experts are worried about some trends. Here are some facts associated with drug overdose during COVID-19:

  • over 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related deaths since the pandemic began

  • drug overdoses have spiked by 18 percent in the U.S.

  • health experts say that fentanyl (a powerful opioid that’s often combined with other street drugs) plus coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns is a deadly combination

Some recent reports also suggest that certain populations are at higher risk of addiction and drug overdose during COVID, including black and latinix populations. 

Suicide & Suicidal Ideation During COVID-19

Suicidal ideation occurs when one gives serious thought to taking their own life. This may include planning out methods of suicide or announcing their intentions to others.

Increased social isolation during COVID may cause a person to think they are alone and unable to escape. This may cause them to consider extreme measures. 

In a June 2020 survey conducted by the CDC, over 10 percent of participants reported some form of suicidal ideation. Suicide threats should always be taken seriously. During a time where mental health is low, it’s important to keep tabs on your loved ones, as well as yourself.

Getting Help During A Pandemic

Drug abuse often happens because of a lack of access to resources. Education, information, and a network of support are all helpful resources to fight addiction.  Although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted some of these services, professional help is still available. This includes help at a hospital for suspected drug overdose or following a suicide attempt, as well as help at a mental health or addiction treatment center.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug abuse during this pandemic, we can help. Our Massachusetts facilities offer help in safe, risk-free environments.

To learn more about their services, please connect with ARK Behavior Health Today.