At Emmaus, we believe that healthcare and housing stability are deeply intertwined. That is why we are filled with gratitude to announce that Emmaus has been selected as a community partner for Health Care For All’s (HCFA) Connecting Communities to Care initiative.
To mark this pivotal statewide effort, Governor Maura Healey visited Haverhill to announce the initiative alongside community leaders, state officials, and local advocacy partners. Emmaus CEO Al Hanscom joined Governor Healey at the press conference, celebrating our shared commitment to ensuring that every individual and family in our region retains access to the essential health care services they need.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Beginning in early 2027, federal Medicaid policy changes will affect MassHealth members aged 19 to 64, introducing new work, volunteering, or education reporting requirements alongside more frequent six-month eligibility renewals. For the vulnerable families and individuals Emmaus serves (many of whom are navigating housing instability, language barriers, or complex health conditions), these administrative hurdles can pose a serious risk of losing coverage, even when they remain fully eligible.
Supported by a $40,000 grant from Health Care For All, Emmaus is stepping up to bridge this gap. Our bilingual, culturally competent staff will provide targeted outreach, education, and direct MassHealth enrollment assistance across our programs. We will integrate healthcare screening and navigation into our shelter diversion program at the Lawrence DTA office, actively assisting over 300 imminently homeless families. In addition, our teams will extend these critical outreach and educational supports to guests at Mitch’s Place Emergency Shelter and to unsheltered individuals through our street outreach efforts in Haverhill.
This partnership strengthens our ability to care for the whole person, offering not only shelter and housing pathways, but also protecting the vital health coverage that keeps our neighbors safe and healthy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Healey, Health Care For All, and our dedicated local partners for standing with us.