Minding Your Business- Homeless Prevention Council

The Homeless Prevention Council (HPC) empowers people by providing the tools, resources and guidance to promote stability through personalized solutions. Their knowledgeable case managers work with clients to find practical solutions centered around one goal: to help motivate clients to take step-by-step actions to take advantage of HPC programs that can help them succeed and ultimately stabilize their lives. HPC helps people in our community become stably housed and financially secure. With a team of 25 people, many of whom are case managers, HPC is embarking on its 35th anniversary in 2026. 

“We really focus on the ‘prevention’ piece in our name,” said Terri Barron, HPC’s program officer. “We try to help people before their situation becomes too much of a crisis, before they lose housing. We mainly serve the eight towns of the Lower and Outer Cape and we take a wide case management lens with all of our clients. With anyone walking through the door, we do an intake form with them and collect all of the relevant information around their housing situation, their income, their expenses, all of that. Then we look to see how we can help. What are your expenses? What services might they be eligible for? Maybe reduces fuel rates or SNAP benefits or mental assistance. We don’t want to give them a Band-Aid. We want to keep them stable.”

HPC recently wrapped up its annual “Adopt a Family Program” with remarkable results. The program matches donors and families for the holidays, offering families the gift of having holiday wishes granted. Through the generosity of contributions from individual donors and businesses, Adopt a Family served more than 700 kids this season. In its 32 years as a staple in the community, HPC’s Adopt a Family has served more than 5,500 children.

One of the newer programs HPC offers is the Youth and Young Adult Host Homes program where they try to match people who may have extra room in their houses with a young adult who needs housing for six to 12 months. One of the great benefits is that a host is eligible for a stipend, and it often allows older folks to have comfort, security and companionship in their homes. This program is Cape and Islands-wide, and the process is extremely fine-tuned. HPC conducts in-depth interviews with both the young adult and the host, and an agreement is drafted ahead of time depicting what the living arrangement and relationship will look like. 

“We match them based on expectations on both sides,” Barron said. “Each has separate advocates so if there are any conflicts that come up along the way, you’ve got someone looking out for the homeowner and the young adult who can facilitate some type of solution.”

How can the average person help? Barron said donations are the biggest help, but there are many other ways to become involved with HPC. They are always looking for volunteers to help in the office or with programs like the Adopt a Family, Reach Project, the Backpack to School program and special events. Be sure to check out the website or call to learn about all of the options available.

“Due to the cost of living on the Cape going up so high with food, rent and fuel, and now we are dealing with increased healthcare costs, more and more families need help,” Barron said.  “Our community has been so supportive in these tough times. There is no question that the work HPC does hits my heart and is so admirable.”

8 Main St., Orleans

508-255-9667

hpccapecod.org