Falmouth, Massachusetts is looking for nonprofit organizations to run homeless prevention programs for residents on the edge of losing their housing in one of Cape Cod's tightest rental markets.

The town's Human Services Department is seeking partners who can provide rental assistance, negotiate with landlords, help with utility bills, and offer case management to keep people in their homes. The programs will launch in July 2026 with formal town funding, replacing temporary federal pandemic aid that has now run out.

Falmouth's housing market has become increasingly unaffordable for the service workers, teachers, and healthcare staff who keep the Cape Cod town running year-round. Median home prices topped $700,000 by 2024, and the rental market has been hollowed out by short-term vacation rentals and second homes. A single unexpected expense—a medical bill, a car repair, a cut in hours—can push residents into homelessness in a market with almost no affordable options.

The shift reflects a broader strategy: preventing homelessness costs less than managing it after people lose housing. Massachusetts guarantees emergency shelter as a legal right, creating significant costs for municipalities when prevention fails. By funding programs that intervene early, Falmouth aims to stabilize residents before they reach crisis.

The town is accepting proposals through late April. Nonprofit organizations with experience in housing assistance and case management are eligible to apply. Work would begin this summer, with the fiscal year starting July 1.