History
Crossroads was established in 1985, by the Most Holy Redeemer parish and father Bernard Mclaughlin. The doors first opened for a family displaced by a devastating fire and quickly expanded capacity and services in response to the growing phenomenon of family homelessness in East Boston.
Mission, Services & Outcomes
Crossroads’ mission is to “support families as they transition from homelessness to independent living and self-sufficiency”. Today Crossroads provides shelter, case management, housing search, stabilization services, and food pantry assistance to homeless, formerly-homeless and low-income families.
There is a well-documented affordable housing crisis (not only locally, but nationally) causing very low-income families to experience homelessness; at the same time, personal, social, and economic factors serve as obstacles for families in their struggle to move out of poverty. Crossroads is directed toward three objectives: personal goal attainment; socioeconomic mobility; and rapid re-housing for families served. Socioeconomic mobility is characterized by increased income, improved educational and occupational status, and increased social networks.
Governance
Crossroads remains an affiliate of the Most Holy Redeemer Parish, and is governed by a non-profit management company and an Advisory Board. Crossroads is currently engaged in a management contract with St. Mary’s Women and Children’s Center, a multi-service human services organization.
