Who to Contact
Services
Provides affordable housing, education, training, community engagement, and supportive services, including:
Cambridge Biomedical Careers Program: This free 9-month training program (September–May) prepares participants for entry-level jobs in the biotechnology, life sciences, and medical research industries, and supplies local employers with work-ready, diverse employees. The laboratory training is done in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College. In the program, students also receive job readiness training such as preparing a resume, interviewing, and job search, and are introduced to industry professionals through career talks and employer site visits. After graduation, students receive follow up services for up to one year, until they are placed in relevant employment.
There is no tuition fee. Applications are accepted April through August. Eligibility requirements include: a GED or HS diploma, Massachusetts residency (primarily Cambridge, Boston, and MetroNorth), income eligibility, age 18+, and good reading and math skills.
Contact: 617-918-7520
Information Technology Careers Program
The JAS IT Career Program is a FREE educational and career skills training program that prepares individuals for Computer User Support Specialist positions in any business environment. The program is ideal for people who are looking for a new career or are entering the job market for the first time.
Through this training module students are able to obtain stackable industry recognized credentials and certificates (i.e. CompTIA, CompTIA A+, etc.)
Contact: 617-918-7520
YouthBuild/Just-A-Start: JAS YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth development program for 16 to 24 year-old out of school youth that provides education leading to grade level increases and credential attainment (high school diploma or HiSET – formerly GED); career exploration and employment skills building (with a construction/facilities maintenance and/or healthcare focus); and leadership and life skills training. Through their housing community service work experience, youth gain occupational skills leading to HBI PACT and OSHA certificates (industry recognized credentials), in addition to applied academic skills and leadership development. JAS YouthBuild also provides comprehensive guidance, counseling, case management, and support services. Youth who complete the program transition to employment, training, and/or college and receive intensive follow-up support for at least one year, with additional support beyond.
Contact: youthbuild@justastart.org or 617-918-7506
Home Improvement Programs: Provides assistance in managing home improvement projects and helps homeowners, condominium associations, and landlords secure financing for housing improvements. JAS’s experienced rehab specialists guide clients through the entire process, from application to completion.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Homeowner Services:
JAS offers an array of services to meet the ongoing needs of low and moderate income homeowners in Cambridge. These services include: technical assistance with property maintenance and repair; advisory services for condominium association finances, management, and compliance; education and training courses; and leadership development for condominium associations.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Real Estate Development Projects:
As part of its core mission, Just-A-Start (JAS) develops and owns affordable apartments that allow low and moderate income residents to live in Cambridge at rents that are within their means. JAS currently owns nearly 600 units and has partnered with Maloney Properties and Wingate to provide the portfolio with professional management. If you are interested in affordable rentals in Cambridge, please contact Maloney Properties and Wingate for more information.
Mediation/Conflict Resolution:
To avoid evictions and/or homelessness, Just-A-Start (JAS) professionals mediate and help resolve disputes between tenants, landlords, homeowners, and others by creating a safe, neutral forum in which meaningful dialogue can occur. Mediation allows parties to understand each other’s perspectives, explore options, and come up with a resolution that everyone feels comfortable moving forward with. Through these efforts, JAS has helped thousands of individuals reach compromise and address conflicts before they spiral out of control, often preventing unnecessary eviction. For qualifying cases, JAS professionals also provide mediation to resolve consumer disputes referred through district courts or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Contact: 617-918-7518
Other Locations
YouthBuild
1175 Cambridge St. Cambridge
617-242-1460
Requirements & Restrictions
Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate and proof of address.