Unhoused Advocacy ~ Summer 2024 Transitional Wellness Center

    One of CNC’s primary goals is to share information about our sector with each other, with other stakeholders, and Cambridge residents. This is our first foray into describing the work of our sector based committees and other initiatives. We will continue to share both the advocacy work our members engage in and resources and information they share with one another.
    For several months, the Unhoused Advocates Committee of CNC has been concerned with, and focused on building opposition to, the proposed closure of the Transitional Wellness Center (TWC), located next to Cambridge City Hospital. Since December 2020, TWC has provided life-saving non-congregate shelter to unhoused community members, effectively supporting them in maintaining contact with critical services necessary for transitioning to appropriate alternatives to the shelter. Despite its success, the City of Cambridge has indicated that the closure of TWC is inevitable.
    In July, committee members, and several other organizations sent a letter to Yi-An Huang, the Cambridge City Manager, advocating for the continued operation of the Center. They emphasized the growing need for non-congregate shelter that offers these wrap-around services. City officials cited several reasons for the closure, including the landlord's plans for the property. However, advocates argue that the city's responsibility to support unhoused individuals cannot be dismissed by the landlord's intentions. While officials mention financial support for the Salvation Army Shelter, the letter writers state that this does not address the significant unmet need for shelter in the community.
    The City has suggested that it is too early to be concerned about TWC’s closure since the lease does not expire until June 30, 2025. Advocates counter that the services provided by TWC are a city priority and that a passive approach is not acceptable. They urge the city to continue and expand their partnerships to positively impact the lives of unhoused community members. In their letter, advocates stress the need for the city to take a proactive leadership role in finding solutions, highlighting that the exhausted supply of private sector structures requires a more committed effort from the city to address the health and safety needs of the community.

If you would like to learn more about this effort contact committee member: Cassie Hurd, at the Material Aid and Advocacy Program  [email protected]