What We Do
Who We Serve
We serve adult women, transgender and gender diverse people who are moving through or recovering from homelessness.
Most participants have a history of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault; and many are struggling with multiple overlapping challenges, including physical and mental health issues that impact their well-being. They are also negatively impacted by structural issues like racism and poverty.
FOR PARTICIPANTS
Long-lasting, transformative relationships at On The Rise foster safety and belonging, respect differences, and build community.
Are you…
Homeless or lack a permanent, safe, secure place to live?
In crisis?
Dealing with traumatic physical and/or emotional abuse by people and/or systems?
Falling through the cracks of our human service system because of the multiple and complex issues you face?
Living in severe poverty?
A woman, transgender, or nonbinary person?
Drop In
Mon 8:30am - 3:30pm
Tue 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Wed 8:30am - 3:30pm
Thur 9:30am - 3:30pm
Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sat Sun CLOSED
Or Call
(617) 497-7968
Find Out How We Can Help
Find local listings of community programs such as food support, housing, job training, and more.
Resources
Services & Programs
Relationships and community are the heart of our participant-centered approach. Our commitment goes beyond providing essentials – we affirm dignity, foster autonomy, and build relationships based on trust and mutuality. All services are free for participants.
SAFE HAVEN: MORE THAN A DAY SHELTER
Our Safe Haven is more than just a day shelter—it's a welcoming home-like setting that prioritizes the dignity and well being of those within it.
We fill survival needs:
Safe space
Breakfast and lunch
Mailing address
Private showers
Toiletries and day-to-day supplies
Clothing
Computers
Limited storage
Quiet spaces and more
We build trusting relationships for long-lasting change and growth
Advocates spend time building deep relationships where people address issues that get in the way of their well being. Advocates connect with participants over meals, meet with them one-on-one to work towards their goals, and accompany participants to appointments in the community. People find comfort, belonging, and trust with advocates who speak several languages.
On the Rise is a low-threshold space – a wet program allowing people to come under the influence. No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property to keep the space violence free and safe for everyone.
Our Impact
400+
people a year come to On The Rise
25
average daily visits
600+
people helped into housing
92%
of people still housed today
Keep The Keys: Empowering Independence Through Housing Stabilization and Retention
Our Keep The Keys Program supports individuals as they move into housing and continues to help folks navigate the challenges of living in a new community.
We support participants on their housing journey:
Help with housing applications
Assistance with moving/start-up costs
Provide emergency funds to avoid eviction
Connect to community resources
Manage finances
Help furnish new homes
Offer support groups
Home visits plan
Intervene with property managers and landlords if problems arise
We maintain enduring relationships that support the journey to wellbeing
Our Keep The Keys program was established in 2008, and was in direct response to participant feedback that having consistent service providers that they could trust through the transition to housing was invaluable.
As participants transition to housing, we recognize the challenges it brings and double down on our commitment to providing unwavering support, making sure they continue to feel connected to On The Rise and its community.
Community
On The Rise places special emphasis on community building as a part of the relationship we have with our participants. Our Safe Haven is not just a place to be, but a community to belong to. Through intentional programs and signature events that celebrate important moments throughout the year like the Memorial Garden Ceremony, Summer Cookout, Joy Day, Thanksgiving Feast, and Holiday Party, opportunities are created for shared experiences and meaningful connections.
On The Rise values the diversity of all and believes that no one is beyond help. We work with a broad and deep commitment to end racism, oppression, and all forms of discrimination that divide us. We offer intentional programs, such as our Trans Access Program - TAP; we educate our community, and we lift up the needs of individuals who face various forms of oppression.
We do these things in order to create a community of belonging, safety, and accountability.