Victory House’s proposed use of the 16 Williams Street property in Brookline, while addressing critical housing needs, does not meet the Town’s Request for Information (RFI) criteria for permanent low-income housing. This distinction is rooted in the fundamental differences between transitional and permanent housing models.
Transitional housing programs like Victory House’s Portis model are designed to provide temporary housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These programs typically have limited lengths of stay—often up to 24 months—with the goal of helping residents transition into permanent housing. Residents may have leases or occupancy agreements during their stay; however, this housing is temporary by definition.
In contrast, permanent low-income housing offers long-term, community-based housing without a designated length of stay. Residents live as independently as possible under leases typically lasting at least one year with possibilities of renewal. This includes permanent supportive housing (PSH), which combines indefinite leasing or rental assistance with supportive services to help vulnerable populations maintain stability.
Victory House’s expanded Portis program would operate under a transitional housing model, expanding its capacity to serve families in recovery and experiencing homelessness but still functioning as interim housing. While it would deed restrict units to households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), it remains a short-term residence aimed at eventual transition to permanent housing.
Thus, although Victory House plays a vital role as an interim support solution, its proposal does not fulfill the Town’s RFI requirements for permanent low-income housing, which seeks to create long-term housing stability for Brookline residents.
This differentiation is key to ensuring Brookline meets its goals for sustainable, community-integrated affordable housing with permanent residency rights.

Please share petition and come to August 19 Select Board meeting at 5:30 in Town Hall