“I finally got to court to get the records I need to move forward with my housing applications.  It was scary to go back to where the abuse happened, but staff helped me think through a safety plan.  They drove to court with me and were there if I needed them.  It made a big difference knowing I wasn’t on my own doing this.”
— Kathleen
Resident at The Second Step

Transitional Housing

The Second Step operates two communal residences in a suburban location that together accommodate sixteen families at any one time.  Each residence offers private family bedroom space and a communal kitchen, bathrooms, living room, dining and play spaces.  Each residence has a computer room, a laundry room, a meeting room, storage room, and outdoor play space.

All families who come to live at The Second Step are homeless when they arrive and have had to leave their permanent homes because of threatened or actual abuse.  Most are referred from domestic-violence crisis shelters. The average family has moved three to four times prior to arrival.  Often families arrive with a garbage bag or two of possessions and no financial resources.  Most are on public financial assistance.  After a rigorous intake process, our professional staff works with each resident to develop a customized program of services and resources to improve the resident family’s physical and emotional well-being and to move toward independence and economic sustainability.

Clients may live in the residences for up to two years and are required to be either employed, in job training, enrolled in school, or volunteering within a reasonable time after arrival.  School-aged children and teens attend the local public schools.  After clients move from the residences into permanent, affordable housing, we continue a close relationship with them for at least six months to ensure a successful transition into their new community.

To inquire about applying to or referring someone to The Second Step’s residences, call Tanya Buchanan at 617-965-3428 or email tbuchanan@thesecondstep.org; or call Julia Busbee at 617-581-6178 or email jbusbee@thesecondstep.org.



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