F.O.R. Families (Follow-Up Outreach Referral)
F.O.R. Families is a home visiting program whose primary goal is to help homeless families transition from homelessness to stable permanent housing. Services are free and participation is voluntary.
Home Visiting Services
Home visiting services are available for families who are receiving Emergency Assistance (EA) from the Division of Housing Stabilization at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) because they are homeless and living in shelter.
Home Visitors are experienced nurses and social workers with extensive public health, community health and child welfare experience. They conduct family assessments and make referrals. Barriers to stable housing are a high priority for referrals. Home Visitors coordinate services with an array of community-based programs and services such as WIC, Early Intervention, primary health care, domestic violence and substance abuse treatment as well as Housing Assistance workers, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Mental Health when appropriate. They provide information about school enrollment options, food, clothing and transportation resources.
F.O.R. Families is a joint program of DHCD and the Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Contact Information
Melissa Marlowe, Director, F.O.R. Families Program
Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: (617) 624-5913
Fax: (617) 624-5927
Email: Melissa.Marlowe@state.ma.us
This information is provided by the Division for Perinatal, Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs within the Department of Public Health.