Centerboard and Salem State Join Forces

Centerboard Partners with Salem State University to Provide Emergency Housing for Families

In response to the growing housing crisis across Massachusetts, Centerboard partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Salem State University to transform vacant residential units at Salem State's Bates Complex into temporary emergency housing for families experiencing homelessness.

The collaboration created a safe and welcoming space for 50 to 60 families, providing stability while they worked toward securing permanent housing. The temporary housing initiative addressed an urgent statewide need as rising housing costs and increased demand placed significant strain on Massachusetts' emergency shelter system.

"This vacant space allows us to help alleviate a humanitarian crisis, and we are happy to do our part in collaboration with the City of Salem, the Commonwealth, and Centerboard," said Salem State University President John Keenan.

As the site operator, Centerboard prepared the former residential units for occupancy by completing health and safety improvements, furnishing the apartments, and ensuring the complex was ready to welcome families. Once operational, Centerboard managed the day-to-day operations of the site while providing comprehensive support services designed to help families regain stability and move toward permanent housing.

"What we do, and what we've been doing for years, is provide services to families experiencing homelessness to help them achieve stability," said Centerboard CEO Mark DeJoie. "Our role was to prepare these homes, ensure they met all health and safety standards, and create a safe, supportive environment where families could begin taking the next steps toward permanent housing."

Families were welcomed into the community gradually, allowing Centerboard's staff to provide individualized support and ensure each household had access to the resources they needed. The first residents included families who had been experiencing homelessness within Salem, with additional families arriving as space became available.

The initiative represented more than temporary shelter—it provided families with a foundation for rebuilding their lives. Through case management, housing navigation, and connections to community resources, Centerboard helped residents work toward long-term housing solutions while providing the dignity, safety, and stability every family deserves.

The City of Salem, Salem State University, DHCD, and Centerboard worked collaboratively throughout the project to ensure families received compassionate support during a critical time. Salem leaders reaffirmed the city's longstanding commitment to welcoming and supporting those in need, while community partners came together to respond to one of the Commonwealth's most pressing challenges.

This partnership reflects Centerboard's ongoing mission to provide holistic support to individuals and families facing housing instability. By combining safe housing with personalized services, Centerboard continues to help people move beyond crisis and toward lasting independence.

Centerboard extends its sincere appreciation to Salem State University, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, the City of Salem, and the many staff members and community partners whose collaboration made this initiative possible. Together, we demonstrated the power of partnership in creating hope, stability, and opportunity for families when they needed it most.

Coverage of the event was featured at Item Live.