Centerboard Brings New Project to Salem.

Centerboard Announces New Temporary Housing Initiative for Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salem

SALEM, Mass. — Centerboard has announced plans to develop a new temporary housing site in Salem that will provide safe, stable accommodations for families with children experiencing homelessness while connecting them with the resources they need to achieve permanent housing.

The proposed project, located at 1 Holyoke Street, will transform a portion of an existing commercial office building into 39 micro-units designed specifically for families participating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Emergency Assistance (EA) Program through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).

The initiative reflects Centerboard's continued commitment to addressing the region's growing housing crisis through innovative, compassionate, and family-centered solutions.

"This project is about more than creating temporary shelter—it's about creating stability," said Mark DeJoie, Chief Executive Officer of Centerboard. "Every family deserves a safe place to call home while they work toward permanent housing. By combining quality accommodations with individualized support services, we can help families regain stability and build a stronger future."

The proposed development will repurpose approximately 29,400 square feet of existing office space across four floors into thoughtfully designed residential units. Once completed, the building will offer families a safe, welcoming environment while preserving the existing structure and making efficient use of available space.

In addition to housing, Centerboard will provide comprehensive on-site services, including:

• 24-hour staffing and building support

• Individualized case management

• Housing navigation services

• Connections to healthcare, education, employment, and community resources

• Ongoing support designed to help families successfully transition into permanent housing

The site is expected to be staffed by a team of two to six on-site professionals, including case managers and maintenance personnel, ensuring residents have consistent access to assistance throughout their stay.

The project builds upon Centerboard's successful partnership with Salem State University and the Commonwealth, which provided temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness at the university's Bates Complex. That initiative welcomed 92 families in December 2024 and demonstrated the effectiveness of combining temporary housing with wraparound support services.

Centerboard anticipates that renovations will take approximately three to five months, with all construction costs funded entirely through private funding. The project will utilize existing infrastructure, including on-site underground parking, minimizing the need for additional site development.

Centerboard also expressed its appreciation for the City of Salem's continued partnership and commitment to expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable residents.

"The City of Salem has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of our initiatives, reinforcing a strong foundation for collaboration," Centerboard shared in its announcement. "Working alongside city officials has been a rewarding experience, as they have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering innovative housing solutions and improving the lives of residents. Their leadership has played a crucial role in making Salem a place where transformative projects like this can thrive."

As housing affordability continues to challenge families across Massachusetts, Centerboard remains dedicated to developing solutions that not only address immediate needs but also create pathways toward long-term stability and independence.

Through partnerships with state agencies, municipalities, and community organizations, Centerboard continues its mission of ensuring every family has access to safe housing, compassionate support, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Coverage was featured at SalemNews.com.