Program Highlight:
Community Voice Mail

Program Discontinued

 

How do you get a job without a phone? A place to live? You don’t. Access to a telephone is a basic survival tool...and often one we don’t think of. Community Voice Mail (CVM) is a simple solution to a complex problem – how to help people in crisis and transition stay connected to the very tool they need most: a constant telephone number.

CVM helps people living in poverty, transition and homelessness rebuild their lives by connecting them to jobs, housing, and information. Each CVM client receives a local telephone number at which he or she can receive voicemail messages and pursue goals of work, housing, healthcare or safety from domestic violence. CVM numbers are distributed based on financial need or lack of reliable phone service.

How Does Community Voice Mail Work?

All you need is access to a touch-tone phone. Once their new phone number is active, users can check messages from anywhere that works for them: pay phones, social service agencies, or the homes of friends and family. For those users with email addresses, a notification can be sent to their email inbox alerting them to the fact that they have a voice mail message. A CVM number looks like any other local telephone number and therefore does not signal the client’s status as a homeless or phoneless person. In this way, CVM users are able to reflect the stability and credibility associated with having a personal home answering machine.

Eligibility

Community Voice Mail numbers are distributed based on demonstrated financial need, lack of reliable phone service, and a pursuit of a goal for work, housing, healthcare, or safety from domestic violence. CVM does not discriminate against any segment of the population.

How much does Community Voice Mail cost?

Nothing. The service is free to those in need. CVM phone numbers are generally distributed in 3 to 6 month increments. This usually allows people to meet their goals or make significant progress. Users typically need to check in with the agency that distributed their CVM number (either via phone message or in person) to extend the length of time their number is active. It is rare for anyone actively using CVM to be denied service.

In some cases, people who have reached their goals (for example, housing or finding a job) may elect to keep their CVM number for a while longer. Many CVM agencies will extend this courtesy at no charge. Some may charge a nominal fee – in most cases, this fee will not exceed $10 for 3 months.

Do people abuse Community Voice Mail?

Almost never. Our experience has been that users who actively use the system experience success and reach their goals. We hear how thankful they are for this life changing tool. Once they no longer need the service their CVM number is recycled to the next person that needs it.

Massachusetts’ CVM

The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) has served as the local host agency for Community Voice Mail (CVM) since September 2009. Formerly known as Project Connect, Massachusetts CVM has helped over 10,000 people since launching in 1996, serving clients in Greater Boston, the South Shore and Springfield. To find a local participating agency see the Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance website at: http://mhsa.net/matriarch/MultiPiecePage.asp_Q_PageID_E_108_A_PageName_E_WhatWeDoCommunityVoiceMailClie

More information at http://www.cvm.org.

CVM vs. Safelink Wireless

Safelink Wireless offers a free cellphone and 80 minutes a month usage. It offers a greater benefit to those who qualify, but they have stricter eligibility criteria. Those who are over-income or are homeless wouldn’t qualify for Safelink Wireless and therefore would be the best candidates for CVM. More information on Safelink Wireless.

 

6/10