Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County announces Congregate Housing Program availability in Bridgewater and Stoughton, MA.
Congregate Housing is a shared living environment where consumers have their own private bedroom, and communal living space such as kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. Openings are available to older adults and individuals with disabilities at the Bridgewater and Stoughton housing authority sites.
The Heritage Circle Congregate, located at 10 Heritage Circle in Bridgewater has a total of 10 units. Currently, at this location there are three units available. In Stoughton, there are a total of 19 units at The Silva House located at 44 Pleasant Street with one unit available at this time.
To be eligible for Congregate Housing, applicants must be 60+ years of age or have a permanent disability.
“Congregate Housing provides an alternative housing option for older adults and people with disabilities interested in a shared living environment to prevent premature or unwanted institutionalization and /or homelessness,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES Housing Programs Manager. “Congregate housing is a good option for individuals who find it difficult to live alone or who enjoy the security of living with others.”
The goal of Congregate Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services while providing group living support, to enrich the lives of those residents.
The Congregate Housing Coordinator, a specialist from OCES’ housing team, conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton Congregate Housing sites. All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.
“OCES works with housing authorities in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton to support the residents,” explained Weiner. “Congregate Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in community.”
Those interested in Congregate Housing in Bridgewater or Stoughton can apply online by using the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP) application and checking off the Congregate box, or by contacting the Bridgewater or Stoughton Housing Authorities. Visit https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing authorities continue to accept applications, however the housing authorities may cease lease-ups in congregate units during the emergency, as social distancing is difficult in these settings It is still important to be added to the wait list so that you are eligible for an assessment when lease-ups resume.
To learn more about Housing Programs offered by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/
About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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