WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Delahunt announced today that the Duffy Health Center in Hyannis will receive $400,000 a year for the next 5 years in federal funding to expand their comprehensive program of housing and behavioral health services for the homeless.  

“I am pleased that the federal government is providing this added boost of funding to help the Cape address the chronic problem of homelessness,” said Delahunt. “This award is also a tribute to the outstanding work by the staff and volunteers at the Duffy Health Center and a vote of confidence in their hard work in addressing this most serious problem.”

The program at Duffy Health Center addresses medical, substance abuse and mental health issues that cause clients to be homeless.  The program follows them with continuing care, so that that they are better able to maintain the personal discipline and behaviors needed to stay in housing and avoid becoming homeless again. Last year Duffy Health Center served 2,266 patients; the new federal funding will enable Duffy to serve an additional 300, and deliver services sooner to all clients. Duffy Health Center will be also adding three new staff (project director, case manager, and a data collection person) and will be able to do more outreach to the homeless when they miss appointments. 

“We are thrilled that Duffy will now be able to reach out and support over 300 clients to attain stability in their lives.  This funding will enable us to provide intensive case management designed to promote improved health and access to treatment and housing.  We will be working closely with our community partners in our shared goal to reduce and end homelessness on Cape Cod.” – Claire Goyer, Executive Director Duffy Health Center

Duffy will work with two researchers from Brandeis University to evaluate the outcome of the treatment program and will use the evidence gained to improve treatment.

This behavioral health and housing services project grant is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.

 

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