Chelsea city officials have selected CAPIC to provide wrap-around services aimed at supporting homeless and addicted individuals who frequently gather in Bellingham Square.
An additional bid for clinical services targeting the same population is anticipated to be granted to Bay Cove Human Services in the coming days.
CAPIC received a $100,000 contract this week to offer immediate support when City Navigators require referrals for clients seeking assistance. The City employs two Navigators, one of whom is currently unoccupied, who assist homeless and drug-addicted individuals in Bellingham Square by building relationships and offering support to those interested in receiving help.
Rev. Ruben Rodriguez is the only Navigator currently in place.
“This will be about making sure Navigators now have a lot of resources when they engage someone in need of help,” said City Manager Tom Ambrosino. “We’re probably won’t see the fruits of this for six months. We’re certainly going to track the work and what resources we’re providing. That’s part of the contract – to keep track of the metrics.”
Ambrosino clarified that the bid award was not connected to CAPIC’s previous controversial proposal to establish a walk-in center in the old Cataldo Building on Hawthorne Street. CAPIC has since withdrawn that idea and is now seeking an alternative site.
He noted that the award ensures Navigators have access to priority services when they contact clients who require assistance.
“It will mean that they get immediate attention when they drive a client down or pick up the phone,” he said.
Regarding the Bay Cove contract, it will include dedicated beds for detox services for Navigators. The specific location for this detox was not detailed, and Bay Cove is responsible for providing these beds at a nearby site.
Ambrosino expressed hope that North Suffolk Mental Health, which holds the contract to supply Navigators, could soon appoint a second Navigator. A second Navigator was previously in place but has since moved on, leaving Rodriguez to manage the responsibilities alone.
“It has been a slow process, but we hope to get another Navigator out there soon,” he said.