PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/SERVICES Pathways Family Shelter is a fourteen family congregate shelter for homeless families.  It is staffed 24 hours a day.  Parents and children of each family share one private bedroom.  They share the rest of the common spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bathrooms with the rest of the families.   Staff is on site 24 hours a day and assists families in acquiring permanent, affordable housing, as well as medical, education, vocational, and social services.   ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Homeless Families must contact their local Department of Tranistional Assistance (DTA) office to be determined Emergency Assistance Eligible (EA Eligible).  The DTA reviews a family's reason for becoming homeless, income, assest, and citizenship.  Please refer to the below link to DTA for more information regarding eligibility.  Once eligible the local DTA office will refer the family to the SMOC Intake Coordinator who then interviews and places the family in the next available appropriate shelter opening.  Department of Transitional Assistance Website   CONTACT INFORMATION The office phone is (508) 879-5047   PROGRAM LOCATION Please call the shelter directly for address and directions   VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Pathways does have occasional volunteer opportunities during different times of the year.   Some volunteer groups have done yard work, landscaping, run crafts groups and play groups for children. People can inquiry about a volunteer opportunity at SMOC by calling the Director of Community Resources at the Framingham Resource Center. The number is (508) 620-2418. Once an opportunity is identify within SMOC, an interview is set up by the component director who will request necessary human resources’ processes such as, a CORI check, and employment authorization check.   DONATIONS ACCEPTED Pathways does accepts donations depending on their storage space availablility.   All donations such as clothing and furniture must be clean and in good condition.  Please call before dropping off any donation to make sure they are accepting that item at that time.  Items that are always appreciated include diapers, personal hygene products, gift certificates to grocery stores, department stores and gas stations.    ANNUAL STATISTICS During the past year, Pathways Family Shelter housed a total of 53 families accounting for 59 adults and 86 children.