July Change for Change: Independent Housing Solutions

Our July Change for Change recipient is Independent Housing Solutions (Northampton, MA).

Independent Housing Solutions is a non-profit dedicated to building clean, safe, and affordable housing for chronically homeless individuals with complex medical needs. We are a novel program that blends the freedom of independent living, harm reduction practices, and an array of supportive services, which allows residents to thrive outside of hospitals and traditional nursing homes.

Our first location, in Northampton, MA, opened in March of 2023 and housed 16 of the most medically complicated houseless individuals in Western Mass. This program has drastically reduced the number of 911 calls, ER visits, and hospitalizations for all residents, which saves over $1 million per year.

A quote from an IHS resident:

"Being indoors has allowed me to stabilize and get a job. I am grateful to be at the program and I try to turn the lights out to save electricity whenever I can."

To learn more, visit www.independenthousingsolutions.org