Thursday, 4:30 PM
Mayor announces new plan to help Boston's homeless
By Matt Viser, Globe Staff
Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced plans this morning for a new program aimed at providing more beds and services for the homeless.
The Homeless Protection Program, which will be run by several city agencies, will place as many as 30 elderly homeless in permanent housing. It will also expand substance abuse treatment services by adding 10 beds within city-run facilities and hiring new staff to offer counseling.
"At this time of year we are particularly concerned with the health and well-being of those who are without a home in Boston," Menino said in a statement. "I am calling upon city agencies and our community partners to increase the available services for these individuals."
In addition, Menino is creating a re-entry program that will house 10 homeless men who were recently released from prison. The 60-day program will offer drug treatment, job counseling, and housing placement services. He plans to add 10 additional slots to the program within six months.
Menino also confirmed Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis's plans to assign a deputy superintendent to investigate the problem of criminals and ex-offenders who are blending in with the homeless population in shelters and then committing crimes on city streets.
