SSHP's History
The Springfield Supported Housing Program (SSHP) was founded in 2006 to
assist families and individuals in Windsor and Northern Windham counties
who were either homeless, or in danger of losing their housing, find
permanent, affordable housing and receive at-home case management.
Richard McInerney and Rich Moore, in collaboration with the Springfield
Family Center and the Springfield Department of Children and Families
developed the framework of the agency. The Rich’s began working together
in Brattleboro, VT with the Morningside Shelter. At the shelter they saw how
supported housing led to longer lasting housing success. Rich Moore said “in
the first year we learned that people did well in a shelter with rules and
expectations and guidance, but when they left they would have to come back
to the shelter again. Over the course of two or three years we learned that
there are some deep rooted, life long issues, and they need more help than
just a short stay in a shelter.” After more than 15 years with the shelter, they
looked to Springfield to develop a similar program. They worked with local
service providers to create a program that met the needs of the community.
They began working with the Springfield Family Center, where they met with
clients and landlords to develop long lasting relationships and successful
tenancies.
In 2008 SSHP received the Vermont Agency of Human Services Award “in
recognition of extraordinary contributions to the health and wellbeing of
Vermonters.” Upon receiving the award, Rich McInerney said “The program’s
success is based on an accurate assessment of the issues and circumstances
that lead to homelessness, the supports and services necessary to address
these issues, and an honest and positive relationship with landlords.” The
agency has expanded with new programs and opportunities to reach clients
with different needs. We now operate with 14 total units including programs
with the Department of Corrections, Alcohol and Drug Use, Reach Up,
Homeless Opportunity Grant Program, Economic Services Division and with
local area medical services.
assist families and individuals in Windsor and Northern Windham counties
who were either homeless, or in danger of losing their housing, find
permanent, affordable housing and receive at-home case management.
Richard McInerney and Rich Moore, in collaboration with the Springfield
Family Center and the Springfield Department of Children and Families
developed the framework of the agency. The Rich’s began working together
in Brattleboro, VT with the Morningside Shelter. At the shelter they saw how
supported housing led to longer lasting housing success. Rich Moore said “in
the first year we learned that people did well in a shelter with rules and
expectations and guidance, but when they left they would have to come back
to the shelter again. Over the course of two or three years we learned that
there are some deep rooted, life long issues, and they need more help than
just a short stay in a shelter.” After more than 15 years with the shelter, they
looked to Springfield to develop a similar program. They worked with local
service providers to create a program that met the needs of the community.
They began working with the Springfield Family Center, where they met with
clients and landlords to develop long lasting relationships and successful
tenancies.
In 2008 SSHP received the Vermont Agency of Human Services Award “in
recognition of extraordinary contributions to the health and wellbeing of
Vermonters.” Upon receiving the award, Rich McInerney said “The program’s
success is based on an accurate assessment of the issues and circumstances
that lead to homelessness, the supports and services necessary to address
these issues, and an honest and positive relationship with landlords.” The
agency has expanded with new programs and opportunities to reach clients
with different needs. We now operate with 14 total units including programs
with the Department of Corrections, Alcohol and Drug Use, Reach Up,
Homeless Opportunity Grant Program, Economic Services Division and with
local area medical services.
