From the Office of Senator Kerry

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC – Massachusetts Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representative Michael Capuano today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently awarded Boston Medical Corporation of Boston, Massachusetts, a grant in the amount of $1.7 million for its BMC ACCESS Project.

The BMC ACCESS Project will work with the Massachusetts Department of Health to create a shelter for homeless individuals that will provide mental health, substance abuse, and primary care services. This grant will be delivered by HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over a period of three years through annual installments of $589,304.

"Providing resources for the shelter and care of the state's homeless must be a priority," Senator Kennedy said. "I'm hopeful this money will go a long way toward improving the lives of so many of our fellow citizens without homes and suffering from mental health or substance abuse problems."

“The creation of this shelter will not only provide the homeless a safe place to lay their heads, but also an opportunity to receive primary care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment,” said Kerry. “This grant is a positive development in the quest to meet the complex needs of homeless individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.”

"During difficult economic times, this grant will help provide some much needed assistance to the homeless, including access to primary care, as well as mental health and substance abuse services," stated Congressman Capuano.

The grant to the BMC ACCESS Project is one of 14 national Treatment for the Homeless Projects grants announced by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson totaling $23 million over three years.

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