Supportive Housing Program
A stable home environment is the foundation for health, independence, and dignity. Boston Senior Home Care’s Supportive Housing program helps older adults and people with disabilities remain safely housed while staying connected to the services, supports, and relationships they need to remain independent.
We currently serve nearly 3,000 residents across 19 supportive housing sites throughout Boston. Our work is grounded in more than 50 years of experience delivering consumer-centered, culturally responsive care in partnership with property owners, housing managers, and community organizations.
How the program works
Supportive Housing serves residents living in subsidized housing—many facing health challenges, isolation, language barriers, or limited income.
At each building, our Tenant Resource Counselors:
- Build trusted relationships with residents, often sharing cultural and language backgrounds
- Assess and monitor residents’ needs over time
- Connect residents to health care, public benefits, and essential services and supports
- Coordinate social programs and wellness activities
Supportive Connections
Mental health can be a difficult conversation to have, especially with older adults. Although they may recognize a problem, they may not be familiar with modern terms, not know how to get help, or may be worried about the stigma and cost.
For many Supportive Housing residents, these barriers are compounded by isolation, stress, and limited access to resources. The Supportive Connections program is designed to meet residents where they are to help get back on track for happy, healthy lives.
What is Supportive Connections?
Supportive Connections is a free, short-term, one-on-one mental health support program offered on-site for everyday stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
With Supportive Connections, residents:
- Learn how stress, isolation, and negative thought patterns affect their health and wellbeing
- Discover and practice skills to manage and reduce negative emotions
- Develop problem-solving skills to address social, relationship, and emotional challenges, find solutions, and boost confidence
- Connect to community resources and additional supports when needed
All services are provided at no cost, in residents’ homes or buildings, and in multiple languages.
How does Supportive Connections work?
Supportive Connections is built on the trusted relationships residents already have with their Tenant Resource Counselors.
TRCs are trained to:
- Recognize early signs of emotional or mental health challenges
- Introduce residents to simple self‑help and wellness techniques
- Provide ongoing encouragement and follow‑up
- Refer residents to additional clinical or community supports when appropriate
Because TRCs know residents well and are present on site, support feels natural, accessible, and respectful—not clinical or intimidating.
Hear from Supportive Connections Participants
A Story from Kenmore Abbey in Boston
“Before joining Supportive Connections, I was very stressed and worried about my younger brother. He is the only sibling I have, and he had been living in a damp ground-floor apartment that was affecting his health. I had been helping him apply to many public housing programs for more than six years, but he was still on the waiting lists.
The sessions taught me simple breathing exercises and ways to manage my stress and set healthy boundaries. I also started joining community activities more often, which helped me feel calmer and more positive.
Now, I feel more in control of my emotions and take things one step at a time. Supportive Connections really helped me take care of myself while still being there for my brother.”
–Kenmore Abbey Resident (75 years old)
A Story from Peabody Englewood in Dorchester
An 85-year-old Vietnamese homebound resident of Peabody Englewood came to her TRC, Helen, with feelings of depression and uselessness. Though she originally declined participation in Supportive Connections, with Helen’s encouragement, she changed her mind and enrolled.
Throughout the sessions, the participant was very engaged, becoming increasingly motivated, and began setting personal goals. She committed to walking around her living room for at least 15 minutes a day and preparing one meal daily.
By the end of the program, she reported feeling more hopeful and expressed gratitude for the support she received. More than a year later, she continues to stay motivated—cooking her own meals each day and maintaining a positive outlook.
