Pine Street Inn
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Frequently Asked Questions


How many people are served by Pine Street Inn?

Pine Street Inn serves over 1,300 adult men and women across all of its programs each day. Nearly 550 individuals live in permanent supportive housing in 32 sites throughout Boston and in Brookline. Two Pine Street permanent residences house a limited number of children.

Who does Pine Street Inn serve?

Pine Street Inn serves men and women of many different races, nationalities and religions. They range in age from 18 to 80+. Pine Street guests and tenants have a wide variety of backgrounds and speak numerous languages. Some have had little formal schooling, while others have advanced degrees. Many are unemployed, but a number have full- or part-time jobs. Some struggle with mental illness, disability, addiction, or isolation; and none has found affordable housing. With help, some guests are able to move beyond shelter fairly rapidly. But for many others, it takes time to regain stability and the confidence to face the world. Our services include outreach, health care, addiction counseling and recovery groups, and job training. We also give referrals to other service providers. Staff provides all guests and tenants with encouragement and the tools needed to reconnect with work, housing and community.

How do men and women find out about Pine Street Inn?

Pine Street is well known in the metropolitan Boston community, with partnerships with numerous non-profit and governmental agencies which serve poor or homeless men and women. Most of our guests have heard about Pine Street Inn through friends, family members or other human service agencies.

How many employees are there?

There are nearly 500 full- and part-time employees working at Pine Street in various houses and facilities throughout Boston and in Brookline.

What is the annual budget?

Pine Street Inn’s annual budget is approximately $33 million.

How is Pine Street Inn funded?

Pine Street is funded by individuals, foundations, corporations, city, state and federal governments.

How can I help?

Pine Street Inn welcomes help from individuals and organizations who are willing to volunteer or make a financial contribution.


What are Pine Street Inn’s operating hours and locations?

Pine Street Inn serves homeless men and women at its emergency shelters at 444 Harrison Avenue and 363 Albany Street, in addition to 32 housing sites throughout Greater Boston, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Map of Pine Street's sites

Is Pine Street Inn open to the public?

Pine Street Inn welcomes visitors to learn more about our programs, approach and philosophy. In order to respect the privacy of our guests and tenants, tours are available by appointment only.

Tours are offered the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.  There’s no need to sign up. We will gather in the main lobby of the Men’s Inn.  Please contact Coffie if you have any questions: call 617.892.9186 or e-mail coffie.fields@pinestreetinn.org.

See directions to Pine Street Inn.


Does Pine Street accept donations of clothing, furniture and household items?

Lack of storage space makes it impossible for Pine Street Inn to accept donations of clothes and furniture. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries has assumed responsibility for Pine Street’s clothing collection. Please consider Goodwill for future clothing donations.

How do I get an application for Pine Street Inn’s permanent housing?

Pine Street Inn maintains a wait list for its housing program. For information, see Pine Street's eligibility guidelines and housing application.

Housing applications must be mailed to Tenant Management Office at 82 Green Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Applications cannot be processed at Pine Street’s headquarters in Boston.


How can I contact someone who may be a guest at Pine Street Inn?

Pine Street Inn respects the privacy and anonymity requested by many of its guests. There is a message board in the lobbies of both the Men's Inn and the Women's Inn that guests may check for messages. Please know that we cannot guarantee that guests will check the board or choose to respond.
Click here to have your message posted.

How can my school/group organize a fundraiser?

Please email info@pinestreetinn.org with the subject line 'Fundraising.' Include your name and address and someone will reply to your message with more information.

I'm worried about a homeless individual on the street.
Other than giving him/her money, what can I do to help?

  • If you are a resident or your business is located in the City of Boston and you have concerns about the well being of a homeless individual, please contact the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.
  • If there is an emergency in your neighborhood involving a homeless person or you encounter a homeless individual engaged in illegal activity, please contact the Boston Police Department by dialing 911.

For Homeless Services Providers:

Please email info@pinestreetinn.org with the subject line 'Service provider' if you are:
  • A homeless service provider and would like to speak to your counterpart at Pine Street Inn.
  • Currently coordinating a program or project for homeless individuals and need more information about a Pine Street model.
  • Work with individuals moving out of a secured facility and need to speak to someone regarding Pine Street’s transitional programs.


Why are people homeless?

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