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The organization is dedicated to the mobilization and utilization of resources, both public and private, in order that an array of comprehensive services including training, rehabilitation, education, care treatment, housing, food and shelter, be provided for the homeless, the working poor, indigent alcoholics, drug addicts and the deinstitutionalized mentally ill, regardless of race, color, or creed. The National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse originally funded the PIP Shelter in Worcester on October 1, 1974. Believing that alcoholism and substance abuse is a health and not a criminal issue, the PIP Shelter was designed to place the substance abuser into the entry level of a network of health and rehabilitative services. Recognizing that no individual can deal with growth or health issues when that individual lacks a roof over his/her head, or a meal in his/her stomach, the PIP Shelter's primary function is to meet the basic survival needs of this population: shelter, food, clothing, and medical attention. The program, originally located at 46 High St. was designated to provide a variety of services to the public inebriate in the Greater Worcester area. The public inebriate, is by definition, an indigent male or female, with multiple alcohol related problems. This person is generally without a source of income or employment, and suffers attenuated or severed familial ties. He or she is a person in desperate need of help or hope. The PIP Shelter moved form 46 High St. to 640 Main St., in January 1977. The program was once again moved in August, 1979, to its present location at 701 Main St. The facility is adjacent to the City of Worcester's Central Business District and is easily accessed by those seeking services. It is also within walking distance of many area social service providers and state agencies charged with assisting the homeless and other agencies dealing with substance abuse issues. In 1980 the PIP Shelter was granted a three-year award from the NIAAA. In the latter part of 1981, federal mandates transferred funds to the state, as block grant monies. The NIAAA ceased funding and monitoring the Shelter in 1982. The Shelter submitted proposals to the State Division of Alcoholism (DPH), and the proposal was funded to provide thirty-five beds. In 1984, the Fund for the Homeless awarded a $25,000 capitalization grant, which was used to secure a mortgage at the Shelter's present location, and the Board of Directors reaffirmed their commitment to this population. As a result of the increasing population of homeless individuals and the concurrent need to service this population, the Shelter, beginning in 1986, undertook an extensive renovation and rehabilitation of the property. The rehab project was funded by the City of Worcester, the CDBG program, grants through the McKinney ESG program, and grants from private foundations. To date the entire building has been rehabilitated including the fourth floor of the building which has been totally dedicated to self-help recovery services and community meeting space. The physical facility contains dormitory space for upwards of 100 male guests on the ground level. The second level contains a 10-bed dormitory with shower facilities for female guests. In addition the second floor contains space for administration, nursing, and counseling offices. There is a large drop-in area on this floor where guests are served three meals a day. Kitchen facilities, which are completely modernized, are also located on the second level. In April 2004, PIP merged with SMOC.