Cathedral Square describes HIP incentive program aimed at preventing eviction among formerly homeless residents

Kim Fitzgerald, CEO of Cathedral Square, described the nonprofit’s Housing Incentive Program (HIP) to the committee, presenting HIP as a locally driven, person-centered model that pairs monthly incentives with SASH (Support and Services at Home) care coordination and embedded mental-health clinicians.

HIP eligibility is voluntary and limited to people who moved in from homelessness. Participants choose items from a menu of supportive activities (for example attending appointments, budgeting training or community work) and must complete at least one item per month and maintain successful tenancy to receive an incentive. Fitzgerald described the incentive structure as $50 per payment, half provided as cash and half placed into a savings account, with more frequent touch points in the first six months.

Early outcomes from Cathedral Square’s pilot: 25 active participants across six buildings, paid incentives in 175 instances totaling "over $7,000" in the first year, a goal to expand to as many as 60 participants, and eviction-risk interventions that resolved 13 of 18 rent-struggle cases (including all notice-to-quit cases mentioned). Fitzgerald highlighted one success story of a formerly homeless resident who is now a resident manager at an Allard Square property.

Fitzgerald told lawmakers that HIP builds on other models (contingency management, similar youth programs) and emphasized that incentives and service touch points can improve tenancy stability. The nonprofit said it has been fundraising for the model and that the pilot relies on local partnerships for addiction services and mental-health supports.

The committee took questions on program mechanics, escrow handling if participants move before five years, and participant privacy; Fitzgerald said successful departures would receive accrued escrow funds and emphasized voluntary enrollment and trust-building to retain participants.