About Us
The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is to create lasting solutions to housing, income, health, education, and racial inequalities in all parts of the Commonwealth.
Our Vision
At the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, our vision is to expand and enhance programs and initiatives that drive long-term systemic change solutions. We are committed to addressing and ultimately resolving disparities in housing, income, education, health, and racial equity, creating a more just and equitable future for all residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless focuses on supporting economically challenged communities and populations, serving households at or below the federal poverty guidelines. We work tirelessly to advance our populations with tangible and concrete solutions to resolve immediate crises and achieve long-term sustainable stability.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless supports its mission applying three core pillars: driving systemic change, providing direct services through homelessness prevention programs, and distributing essential materials for populations in need. Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting social equity, income prosperity, and racial justice. Across Massachusetts we assist underserved populations of families, individuals, older adults, youth, and children by developing and implementing innovative approaches to provide education and individualized support, aiming to empower them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term stability.
A Bed for Every Child: Helps children to obtain a place to dream, learn healthy sleep habits, and improve academic performance.
Launched in 2012, A Bed for Every Child is one of a few resources in the state that utilizes a holistic approach to create a stable and nurturing environment for children living in poverty.
Birth to Big Kid Initiative: Works to reduce infant mortality by providing cribs and safe sleep education to low-income expectant mothers, focusing on prenatal and childhood development. Since 2022, MCH has partnered with hospitals and health centers across Massachusetts to assist pregnant mothers with safe sleep education approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Birth to Big Kid is the only initiative in Massachusetts that supports families from prenatal stages through toddlerhood.
The Casa Project: Helps low-income families and individuals avoid displacement or becoming unsheltered by providing upstream preventive resources and support. For over 20 years, MCH has utilized an upstream homeless prevention approach, ensuring that over 30,000 households in Massachusetts could have obtained a place to call home.
Statewide Systemic Change: Advocates on behalf of underserved populations and communities across Massachusetts for equitable public policies. For over 40 years, MCH has propelled vital efforts that have led to lasting positive impacts such as securing funding for RAFT, the Massachusetts YOUth Count, and strengthening the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act in the Commonwealth.
Click here to read our 2023 end-of-year impact report.
Robyn Frost is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Robyn has led the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless as Executive Director since 2000. With over 20 years of statewide expertise, her deep understanding of homelessness, displacement, and housing instability has made her a key figure in addressing these critical issues. Her work has been instrumental in implementing innovative poverty alleviation and homelessness prevention strategies. Under her leadership, MCH has developed programs and initiatives that provide long-lasting solutions and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty for families and individuals across Massachusetts. Ms. Frost's extensive knowledge of the Accountable Care Organizations model and the flexible services program secured her nomination to the MassHealth Social Services Integration Working Group. As an active member, she plays a significant role in transforming the framework that will ensure social services organizations providing housing and nutrition support across the state transition into Managed Care Entities. Her role is vital in addressing housing instability under MassHealth programming for years to come, as statewide organizations equip themselves to become providers of Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) services. As the Executive Director of MCH, Ms. Frost’s leadership continues to drive innovative solutions, ensuring the needs of vulnerable populations are voiced and addressed.
Kelly Turley (MSW/MA) has been an advocate with and for people experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1997. She joined the staff of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in 2002, where she has served as the Associate Director since 2017. At the Coalition, Kelly convenes and collaborates with various stakeholders to develop public policy strategies to create access to homelessness prevention benefits, safety net resources, and affordable housing opportunities for families with children, unaccompanied youth, and adults throughout the Commonwealth. Her work focuses on expanding equity, dignity, and opportunity in state-funded housing and cash assistance programs and on upholding the human right to housing. Ms. Turley is a long-time human rights activist, serving in volunteer leadership positions with Amnesty International USA and Students for a Free Tibet International.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, EIN 222-599-662, registered with the Internal Revenue Service/Department of the Treasury. Therefore, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. All donors receive an acknowledgment for their tax records. The agency undergoes regular audits, and detailed financial reports are available to the public upon request.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is committed to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly believe in establishing equity across our systems, creating a fair and just environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and included, and advancing a culture of inclusion. MCH’s JEDI policy outlines our collective responsibility to advocate for systemic change and cultivate an inclusive environment that honors the dignity and diversity of all individuals. JEDI is a core value and a shared responsibility for every employee at MCH. As we work to advance our mission, we are dedicated to embracing diversity in all its forms and to addressing and dismantling systemic barriers that contribute to inequity and injustice. We strive to create a culture that values the dignity and worth of each person and family, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, housing status, national origin, and belief system.
20059
members engaged across our initiatives on our digital platforms
3683
households assisted through 4 programs across 298 communities
60900
hours of advocacy provided to 1981 households facing housing instablity
1702
children received healthy sleep education along with brand new beds
Our 2023 Impact in Numbers
Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness in our community. Consider giving today!