State Awards $10 Million to Community-based Housing, Nutrition Organizations

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced it is awarding $10 million to 37 community-based organizations that provide housing and nutrition support services across the state.

The funds are intended to help awardees expand and enhance technology and operations to work effectively with MassHealth accountable-care organizations (ACOs) in order to provide health-related social needs services, such as housing and healthy food, to members as part of their overall healthcare. ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that coordinate care for MassHealth members.

“This funding will help ensure a smooth transition as MassHealth integrates coverage of health-related social needs, like food and housing, into managed care,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Without a safe place to sleep or healthy food to eat, it is nearly impossible to stay healthy or manage health conditions. This important transition furthers MassHealth’s commitment to ensuring members’ basic needs are met, so that they can care for their physical and mental health.”

To support this transition, MassHealth is recommending entering into grant agreements with 37 organizations across the state, including five in Western Mass.: the Center for Human Development Inc. in Springfield, Just Roots Inc. in Greenfield; Revitalize Community Development Corp. in Springfield, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Inc. in Chicopee, and Way Finders Inc. in Springfield.