Program areas at Watch CDC
Housing programs: provision and property management of affordable support to stabilize rental housing. Tenant support includes free, walk-in help with applying for public housing, conducting on-line housing searches, support during an eviction process, assistance in finding emergency housing, and applying for funds for rental assistance. Non housing related support includes assistance in applying for benefits such as utility and financial assistance and food stamps and referrals for health care, legal aid, and immigration assistance. Coordinate with waltham public schools to identify and assist families with school age children at risk of homelessness. Coordinate with other social service agencies that offer supports in housing and basic needs with monthly inter-agency meetings. Additionally, the tenant assistance fund was able to provide over $225,000 of direct assistance grants to waltham residents for rent in arrears, to prevent utility shut offs or restore heat & electricity, provide emergency shelter, and $500 back to work grants to reduce barriers to work.
Community organizing - advocacy and community organizing of waltham residents for affordable and safe housing for low- and moderate-income households in waltham. To increase the amount of affordable housing for low-income families in the waltham area and to build the voice & participation of local residents in their community.
Adult education: provision and promotion of adult education and leadership development for immigrants and non-immigrants in the waltham area. Education includes english language instructions, life skills, first time homebuying and tenant-landlord law. Watch also offers esl conversation groups, free 1 on 1 english tutoring, ged class, and citizenship class. Provided assistance to over 700 waltham households annually.
Job & financial management clinic - provision of free one-on-one and small group coaching to waltham residents. Promotion of personal finance management such as setting up savings accounts, reducing debt, creating a budget and increasing income. Additional career coaching includes job search tips, interview preperation, sharing local job search resources and creating or updating a resume. Services are provided by a full time bilingual (english/spanish) job clinic coordinator.