Massachusetts Launches 1st Hotel To Housing Project For Homeless

BROCKTON, MA — For the first time in Massachusetts, a service that works to prevent and end homelessness is starting a project to convert the former Rodeway Inn in Brockton to permanent supportive housing for 69 individuals.

Now simply called Rodeway, the $10.1 million conversion project operated by Father Bill's & MainSpring, will reduce Brockton's individual shelter population by 50%, with future investments in housing needed to maintain those gains and achieve further progress.

On Tuesday, members of the Baker-Polito Administration joined Brockton city officials to tour the new project.

"Stable housing provides a foundation for people to thrive, and we are proud to invest in this dynamic project, which is a first for the Commonwealth," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "Father Bill’s and MainSpring are creating a model to leverage existing resources to meet the needs of a vulnerable community."

Last month, MassDevelopment issued a $5.3 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Roadway Apartments LLC, an affiliate of Father Bill's & MainSpring, Inc., as part of the funding package to renovate and convert the site into housing units for formerly homeless individuals. Eastern Bank purchased the bond.

Since the pandemic, the former hotel was used as a satellite emergency shelter, allowing for easier social distancing among guests from its main shelter, the MainSpring House in downtown Brockton.

"This is about collaboration. We're working with Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Kennealy — people who understand how compassionate we need to be," said Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan. "I'm so proud to be here, not just as a mayor, but I'm proud to be here as a lifelong Brocktonian."

The conversion will happen in stages, allowing for the continued operation of the satellite shelter. The first group of guests is expected to move into the newly renovated apartments next month.

The plan says all tenants will move in by next spring, at which point the property will no longer be used as a shelter.

Tenants will have access to case managers who will help them remain housed and become more self-sufficient.

Father Bill's & MainSpring currently manages more than 600 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans across Southern Massachusetts. In total, 93 percent of FBMS tenants remain housed for at least three years.