December 17, 1999
By Lynne Watson, Writer's Workshop

Part II of IV

"...they bring the perspective of an individual who's been down that path..."

LW: CASCAP has hired homeless people?

MH: Yes, a number of them went through the program which has a paid internship and the ultimate goal is to have full employment. We've been able to hire a number of those individuals who have ended up working at a number of our other sites that deal with people who have been, or are, homeless. It's been a great contribution, because they bring the perspective of an individual who's been down that path.

LW: How does a person get into a CASCAP residence?

MH: Well, there are two ways. Our units that are under contract with the Department of Mental Health operate on a closed referral system. All referrals have to come through the Cambridge/Somerville office of the Department of Mental Health. It is a pretty extensive waiting list. Help is also based upon need, whether someone needs a group home, an individual apartment, or whatever services they require. I think we can offer a number of different types of programs. Some have no structure whatsoever; it's simply an apartment. People are available if the individual needs them, Other programs are very structured, with 24 hour staff.

Our other program, which is our Housing Resource Team, and the other apartments we develop, is a waiting list through the Cambridge Housing Authority. People either have Section 8 certificates or other housing vouchers and apply as they would with any kind of housing. If the unit is available, and they're next on the waiting list, they would be able to get the unit.

LW: How much rent to residents pay to CASCAP?

MH: They pay 30% of their gross adjusted income. That can vary from person to person. If someone is on Social Security Disability payments, their rent might be anywhere between $120 and $150 per month. In some of our programs there's an additional charge where meals are provided. But for rent, the maximum we charge is 30% of the income.

LW: Does HUD subsidize all of the residences that CASCAP runs?

MH: Either HUD or the state, what's left of the state rental voucher program.

LW: What is the biggest expense that CASCAP faces?

MH: Payroll. We're a service provider, so 80% of our budget goes to payroll.

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