Elders Living at Home Program (ELAHP)

Elders Living At Home Program (ELAHP) was established by Boston Medical Center in 1986, following local economic changes, which left many of Boston’s frail, elderly men and women homeless. The program was initially funded by a three-year demonstration grant from a consortium of national and local foundations and is now funded mostly by the U.S Department of HUD and the U. S. Department of Health and Humans Services.

ELAHP offers a range of services to older men and women who are homeless or imminently at risk of becoming homeless. Qualified participants are at least 55 years of age, formerly homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and willing to accept stabilization services. These services include intensive case management, nursing assessments, home monitoring, medication management.

Homeless seniors, who are interested in pursuing housing, are placed in transitional shelters that utilizes vacant units in Boston Housing Authority elderly/disabled developments. A case manager and nurse monitor each clients' ability to live independently, develop a plan for supportive services, and assist in areas which may impact their ability maintain permanent housing.

The mission of the Elders Living At Home Program is to support elders in making the transition out of homeless, to provide supportive services that build on the individual abilities of elders and to help them overcome the barriers to permanent housing.

During nearly a quarter of a century of providing services to Boston’s elderly, 85% of ELAHP clients have moved on to safe, affordable housing. Of those that were helped to find a home, nearly 100% have been able to maintain that home. More than 800 homeless elders have been able to find permanent housing, maintain that housing successfully and remain independent.