Family Shelters/Emergency Assistance (EA)

New Rules Effective March 7, 2025

New Lawful Status Requirement

Each member of the family must have an eligible immigration status. However, if a child in the family has an eligible immigration status, that satisfies the immigration status requirement for the family.   

Document examples: US passport, green card, documentation that the US is aware of the person's presenece and is not trying to make that person leave the country right away 

New Residency Requirement

Each member of the family must be a resident of Massachusetts who intends to remain in Massachusetts permanently or indefinitely. The family must provide documents for all adults over 18 to prove this. 

Document examples: MassHealth or public benefit from MA registration, voter or school registration, any MA ID, bill or insurance document with a MA address

New Eviction requirement - the eviction must have been from a Massachusetts address

Ending Presumptive Eligibility - the administration will no longer place people who appear to be eligible and give them 30 days to obtain documentation. To be placed into EA family shelter families must submit the following:

Proof of Identity

Document examples: state issued driver's license, birth certificate or passport

Proof of family relationship

Document examples: Birth certificate, custody paperwork

Consent to a CORI check

Attest to newly required updates to Massachusetts Residency and Citizenship and Immigration status

Flyers describing these changes: English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole

Additionally, there is a new Bridge Track Shelter limit of 6 months (down from previous 9 months)

Reduction/elimination of extensions/waivers are expected. Until extensions/waivers regulations are released, the below rules still apply. Those already in shelter should wait for notifiication of their new time limit. They should get 90 days notice.

Rapid Shelter Track remains at 30 BUSINESS days.

Updates as of December 10, 2024

Families will be assessed according to their risk and need and directed to either the system’s Rapid Shelter Track or the Bridge Shelter Track (families will be assigned - will not be able to choose between the two tracks.) Stays in the Rapid Shelter Track are expected to conclude in 30 business days. Stays in the Bridge Shelter Track are expected to conclude currently within 9 months (learn more.) Governor Healey is seeking legislative approval to impose a six month time-limit.

Rapid Shelter Track

The Rapid Shelter Track involves families who "have strengths and needs that position them to rapidly find self-sufficient permanent housing." They will be offered 30 BUSINESS days of intensive support at Temporary Respite Centers to receive assistance with transitioning quickly to stable, permanent housing – many with stabilization services available through HomeBASE – as well as assistance with and referrals for work authorizations, job placements and English classes.

These changes will allow families to stay at TRCs longer, increasing the maximum time from five business days to 30 business days, with some allowance for extensions. This shift is responsive to exit data trends and feedback from providers and is more aligned with the amount of time needed to exit to safe housing, especially when leases are involved.

Families will not be able to choose between tracks. Families who are given access to intensive services at a TRC will not be eligible for placement in the Bridge Shelter Track.

Learn more: What is the Rapid Shelter Track?

Bridge Shelter Track

The Bridge Shelter Track is meant for more high-risk families and those with more complex needs that take longer to resolve to find permanent housing – they may be women who have a late-term pregnancies, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Families in this track are currently eligible for up to 6 months (new limit as of 3/7/25), with the possibility of up to two 90-day extensions. The goal for families in the Bridge Shelter Track is the same as the Rapid Shelter Track – help them transition to stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible, as well as connect them with work authorizations, job placements and English classes.

Gov. Healey is seeking legislative approval to limit these stays to six months and reduce the number/type of available extensions.

Learn more: What is the Bridge Shelter Track?

EA Shelter Contact List (waitlist) and Priorities

EA Family Shelter Contact List

What determines the order of the EA Contact List? (Priorities)

Changes that started December 10, 2024

Families with higher relative risk and need (priority 1-3) will be directed to the appropriate traditional EA shelter model, focused on a placement with the right type of provider and site to best serve their needs.

We are also adding a new priority 2 status for families with a family member with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

If there are no EA shelter units immediately available, prioritized families (priority score of 1-3) will continue to be eligible to temporarily stay at a Clinical and Safety Risk Assessment sites.

Families who are determined as able to be rapidly rehoused (priority 4) will be placed in a TRC shelter, with a 30-business day Length of Stay.

Family Welcome Center (FWC) and Clinical Safety Risk Assessment site (CSRA) Updates (12/24)

Due to the planned closure of Eastern Nazarene College, the Quincy FWC has moved to a new location on Hancock Street in Quincy in December and the Quincy CSRA at Eastern Nazarene will close.

All high-risk families will now be supported at the current Clinical Safety Risk Assessment (CSRA) site in Revere. This site is for high-risk/high-priority families for assessment/temporary placement when there is no other appropriate space available.

These centers can help connect you to state services like food and cash benefits as well as basic supplies like diapers and hygiene products.

Family Welcome Center Allston:

14 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA

Open: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm; Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm; Closed Holidays (As per Massachusetts legal public holiday schedule see here plus BWC will close 11/29,12/29,12/30 & 7/3)

You CANNOT apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

Family Welcome Center Quincy:

1120 Hancock Street, 1st Floor, South Entrance (off Johnson Avenue), Quincy, MA

Open: Monday, Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm; Closed Saturday; Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm; Holidays 9:00am – 3:00pm

You CAN apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

You may also be able to apply for work authorization (EAD) at this location

Family Welcome Center Mattapan:

1626 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126

Open: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm, Closed Sunday; Holidays 8:00am - 1:00pm

You CANNOT apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

You may also be able to apply for work authorization (EAD) at this location

- Source/more info/updates: mass.gov/info-details/resources-for-ea-eligible-families#immediate-support-

As of 3/7/25 - time limit in the Bridge Shelter track will be 6 months and there will be changes to extensions/waivers. Until extensions/waivers regulations are released, the below rules still apply. Those already in shelter should wait for notifiication of their new time limit. They should get 90 days notice.

(9 month time limit) with up to two 90-day extensions and 120-day hardship waivers (established 8/24)

In August 2024 the MA legislature approved and Gov. Healey signed time limits for EA. The maximum stay for most homeless families is limited to nine consecutive months. (Prior to 8/24 there was no time-limit on stays in state-run shelters.) Certain families may recive up to two 90-day extensions and in limited circumstances may qualify for hardship waivers. A family will receive at least 90 days’ notice before their eligibility for shelter ends

Eligibility for 90 Day Extensions (EOHLC reviews family's Rehousing Assessment to see if they qualify):

A family member is employed, or participating in job training programs, including any authorized or approved training program identified in guidance issued by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. To be considered “employed,” the family member must be engaged in paid work at least once a week, which may be part- or full-time
A family member is qualified as a veteran based on days of active duty service and honorable discharge as described in G.L. c. 4, §7, cl. 43 and is not enrolled in services specifically targeted to support veterans. The definition of “veteran” can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/eligibility-and-servicerequirements.
The family has an imminent housing placement, within one month after the date of their LOS Limit
The family is seeking to avoid educational interruptions for a child enrolled in public schools
A family member is pregnant or has given birth within the 3 months preceding the date on which the extension is sought or is an infant born within the 3 months preceding that date
A family member has been diagnosed with a disability or a documented medical condition that affects the family's ability to search for housing or find housing that meets their needs;
A family member is a single parent, stepparent, legal guardian or caretaker caring for a disabled child or family member
A family member is a single parent, stepparent, legal guardian or caretaker caring for a child(ren) with insufficient child or dependent care necessary to obtain employment or continue employment
The family is at imminent risk of harm due to domestic violence or child protection concerns or
A family member is an infant born within the 9 months preceding the date the extension is sought.

Hardship waivers- A family that has exhausted both 90-day extensions may apply for additional extension on the basis of hardship. Upon request for a hardship waiver, EOHLC may approve extensions of up to 120 days at a time. Families must apply for hardship waivers.

A family that has exhausted both 90-day extensions may apply for additional extension on the basis of hardship. Upon request for a hardship waiver, EOHLC may approve extensions of up to 120 days at a time. To qualify for a hardship waiver, a family must be in compliance with their 60-day Rehousing Assessment and have one of the following::

Family member who is aged 0 to 9 months

Family member with immunocompromised condition

Family member with high-risk or third trimester pregnancy

Family member with medical device (tracheostomy only)

Risk of imminent harm due to child protection or domestic violence concerns

Learn more about time limits, 90-day extensions and hardship waivers, appeals and more: Program Guidance on Nine-Month Length of Stay

Governor Healey is seeking additional changes - on January 15, 2025 Governor Healey proposed significant changes to the Right to Shelter law in a letter to the Legislature. These proposed changes would further erode the Right to Shelter and limit access to shelter for children experiencing homelessness.

The proposed changes:

Reduce the length of stay limit from 9 months to 6 months and eliminate most extension possibilities

Allow state officials to remove an unlimited number of families from EA shelter, by removing the weekly cap on terminations

Impose a statutory residency requirement

Eliminate presumptive eligibility and require complete documentation at the time of application

Exclude many immigrant families who otherwise meet strict shelter eligibility requirements (require ALL members of families to have qualifying immigration status vs current rule that one member of the family must have qualifying status)

General EA Information
Emergency Assistance (EA) is the state's emergency shelter program for low-income families (pregnant women or families with children under age 21). Housing search advocacy is provided in group shelter settings.

More detail and advocacy tips

EA Advocacy Guide - MLRI 10/23 - please note date; due to rapid changes in 2024, some sections are outdated, particularly shelter types and new length of stay limits. See updates above.

To Apply

The EA program is administered by the the MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). (Known prior to 5/30/23 as the Dept. of Housing & Community Development [DHCD]). Families can apply either:

New! Online application - see the flyer with QR code (in multiple languages) that can be shared with families.

Advocacy tip: The online application has the potential to be very helpful, but as we don't yet have much experience with it, it remains to be seen if there are issues or concerns with the technology or process. GBLS staff are interested in tracking problems, advocates (please do not share these contacts with families directly) may contact any of the following for greater Boston residents: Elizabeth Alfred, Senior Attorney ealfred@gbls.org, Laura Massie, Senior Attorney, Lmassie@gbls.org, Adam Hoole, Lead Paralegal, ahoole@gbls.org, Grace Filohoski, or Staff Attorney, gfilohoski@gbls.org.

By phone: 866-584-0653, Mon to Fri 8-4

Call as early in the day as possible

Should I apply by phone? Easiest if already receiving TAFDC, EAEDC or SNAP and therefore are in the Dept. of Transitional Assistance (DTA) computer system called BEACON. EOHLC workers should have read-only access to BEACON where they can see many of the needed verifications. If you are not already receiving DTA benefits you will need to provide certain documents, so to apply by phone you need access to a fax machine or a scanner and e-mail.

If on repeated attempts you are are unable to get through, MA Coalition for the Homeless advises that advocates may escalate the issue by contacting EOHLC’s Director of Field Operations Alvina Brevard or Attorney Adrian Walleigh. Please not this contact information is for advocates’ use only; please do not share these resources with patients/families directly. (6/20)

In Person - at select offices. Please see website for offices and hours: mass.gov/how-to/find-emergency-family-shelter or new arrivals can go to one of the Family Welcome Centers that assist with applications.

Families should call or appear as early in the day as possible (as the process can easily take all day, or even several days), but no later than 4 pm.
See more Practical Applying Tips.

Language Access policy- as a result of a legal settlement agreement (in August 2017), EOHLC (DHCD at that time) has adopted a language access policy.

Limited English Proficient (LEP) families are entitled to receive language access services at all EOHLC offices, hearings division, and shelters.

Each family will be asked at intake which language they prefer to communicate in.

Each family will be given a one page sheet with language access information.

Oral interpretation will be available when EA communications and documents are not translated into a family’s language, including at shelters.

EOHLC has appointed a Language Access Coordinator to oversee EA language access services and act as a point person for questions and concerns related to language access services. Previously, there was no designated staff member to oversee language access issues. The current coordinator is Brenda O’Donnell, Brenda.ODonnell@state.ma.us or 617-573-1381.

More information: Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Language Access Settlement, MGH Community News, October 2017

If ineligible for EA or outside of business hours: consider Family Shelter Community Rooms- there are a limited number of "Community Rooms" available across the state. There is a high demand for these rooms- call to check availability.

EA Eligibility

Eligibility Flowchart

Financial Eligibility

Income - countable income limit of 115% FPL

TAFDC, EAEDC, SSI, veteran's benefits and child support count as income for determining EA eligibility.

SNAP benefits do not count as income

See Income Advocacy Tips for more information

Assets- the countable assets limit for EA is $5,000. (The value of one non-recreational vehicle is not counted.) More on countable and non-countable assets on our details page.

Categorical Eligibility - in addition to income eligibility, must meet ALL of the criteria below:

Must be a "Family"

Defined as Pregnant person (at any stage of pregnancy, with medical verification) or homeless children under age 21 with their families

Tip: adults may include parents, stepparents, other close relatives or legal guardians who are primary caretakers of the child. "Stepparents" or "spouses" do not need to be married to the parent or pregnant person.

Must be able to demonstrate that the child(ren) are related to the adult(s).

For newborns who do not yet have a birth certificate, EA will ask for a ‘Mother’s letter’. These are generated by the Birth Certificate Office of the hospital where the baby was born (at MGH x4-1905) and takes the place of the birth certificate for the first few weeks after birth until a birth certificate can be generated from City Hall.

Immigration status

At least ONE PERSON in the household must have some type of LEGAL immigrant status. This includes legal permanent residents (green card holders), asylees, refugees or other groups who would be eligible for federal benefits, but also some legal immigrants barred from federal benefits such as those permanently residing under color of law - anyone who has upcoming appointments with USCIS might qualify. There is no "5-year bar" (those with legal status may be eligible regardless of date they obtained status).

EA will not provide shelter to a family entirely comprised of undocumented persons or persons in non-immigrant status (e.g. tourists, students, etc.).

See DTA publication Noncitizen Information Brochure

Will DTA report undocumented immigrants?

Massachusetts Residence

Note that residence is different than immigration status. One must be a MA resident OR INTEND TO STAY.

There are a number of documents you can use to demonstrate Massachusetts residency- this list of identity documents (starting at p. 4) can also be used to establish residency if the pertinent document includes a Massachusetts address.

Intent to stay- according to the EA Advocacy guide (see Question 11), any third-party verification that shows you are in the Commonwealth with an intention to reside should be good enough to prove Massachusetts residency. The preferred forms of verification for adults are a Massachusetts ID or driver’s license or a current utility bill. Other acceptable alternatives include:

A letter from a child’s primary care doctor listing a Massachusetts address.

Proof that any of the children in the family are registered for school in Massachusetts. If families have difficulty enrolling children in school they should ask to speak with the district's Homeless Education Liaison. Registration in school can be verified by a transcript or in a letter on the school’s letterhead, which should be able to be obtained quickly.

Proof of voter registration in Massachusetts. One does not need a fixed, permanent address to register to vote; if living outside they can even show the voter registration staff where they are living on a map.

The EA Advocacy guide (see Question 11) advises "If you are denied for lack of proof of Massachusetts residency and you intend to remain in Massachusetts and need emergency shelter, contact an advocate."

Circumstantial Eligibility (Homeless)- Must have no "feasible alternative housing", including not having "any currently available living situation including temporary housing with relatives, friends or charitable organizations." You must be homeless as noted below and not be subject to any of the bars or ineligibility criteria below.

Homeless- there are 4 categories of homelessness for the purposes of EA eligibility. Since 2012 EA shelter is limited to those who qualify under ONE of the following categories:
Note: if qualify under categories 1, 2 or 3 below, the family does NOT need to also qualify under category 4, i.e., do not need to prove that you have stayed in a place not fit for human habitation, nor that the doubled-up situation was a threat to health and safety, just have to show that you have nowhere else to go (e.g., need a "kick out" letter if doubled-up).

Domestic Violence: families at risk of domestic abuse in their current housing situation or who are homeless because they fled domestic violence and have not had access to safe, permanent housing since leaving the housing situation in which they fled.

Advocacy Tips: The perpetrator can be anyone in the household- it does not have to have been an intimate partner. If one has left the abusive situation and subsequently been doubled up, but are now being asked to leave, the family can still qualify under the domestic violence category; they should not have to prove that the doubled-up situation is a threat to health and safety or that they are living in a place not meant for human habitation. Please advise applicants seeking placement under this category if they have any such difficulties they should ask to speak with a DTA domestic violence specialist (or our HAVEN staff).

Do not need to show that family is at risk of violence in current situation, just that they have nowhere else to go.

DV can be verified by police reports, court records, medical records, third party professional reports, etc. A letter from a social worker with whom the survivor discussed the DV should be accepted.

Fire, Flood or Natural Disaster- families that, through no fault of their own, are homeless due to fire, flood, or natural disaster

Reports from or contact info for a fire dept, police dept Red Cross or other disaster relief organization or a home visit are acceptable forms of verification

Certain Evictions - families that, through no fault of their own, have been subject to eviction from their most recent housing due to:

foreclosure - in limited circumstances

condemnation (not fault of family)

Pure "no fault" eviction, e.g., because landlord wants to rent to a family member

conduct by a guest or former household member who is not part of the household seeking emergency shelter and over whose conduct the remaining household members had no control; or

nonpayment of rent due to a medical condition that caused the family to incur SUBSTANTIAL MEDICAL EXPENSESS resulting in having to pay more than 50% of income for rent, utilities and medical expenses in the past year, OR due to a DISABILITY that caused the inability to pay rent or cure a lease violation.

nonpayment due to loss of income in the past 12 months due to no fault of the family. Under the regulations, only a loss of income of at least 10% counts and it must have resulted in a rent burden of more than 50% of income

(Source: EA Advocacy Guide, pg. 15 - 17)

NOTE: Must have eviction paperwork and must have a firm “date of homelessness” within 48 hours, either:

Family is within 48 hours of a date on an Agreement for Judgment through the court; or

Family has been served with a 48-hour notice to quit from a constable.

(More information on our EA Details page)

Doubled-Up in Unsafe Environment OR Living in Place Not Meant for Human Habitation*- families who are in a housing situation where they are not the primary lease holder and where there is a substantial health and safety risk to the family that is likely to result in significant harm should the family remain in such housing situation OR who have spent at least one night in a place not meant for human habitation. *NOTE: under language included in the FY20 state budget, this requirement for certain families who do not otherwise qualify to spend a night in a place not meant for human habitation has been eliminated. We are waiting for additional implementation information, but there are spotty reports of some families receiving EA under the new rules.

Those currently doubled-up must demonstrate that there is a substantial health and safety (HAS) risk that is likely to result in significant harm. More detail on HAS on our details/advocacy page.

Note: families should be placed pending a DCF HAS assessment if they otherwise appear eligible, but EOHLC often tells families they cannot be placed until the assessment is done. (Source: EA Advocacy Guide, p 20)

Background- Under rules in place before 7/12 if someone was doubled-up and had worn out their welcome, they just needed a "kick out" letter to qualify for shelter. Now in addition to not being able to return one must demonstrate a substantial health and safety risk.

There is also another sub-category under which a family may qualify- "irregular housing" (chronic couch surfing)- if one has been staying in a string of places for less than a week each and cannot return to any. The definition of chronic couch surfing is not clearly defined; open to varying interpretations. Advocates say it seems that those who've stayed in at least 3 places, each for under a week and who can't return to any of them may qualify (and may be able to avoid having to stay in a place not meant for human habitation before qualifying).

The Legislature included language starting in the FY20 budget directing EOHLC (DHCD at the time)to provide shelter to otherwise eligible families who have not yet stayed in places not meant for human habitation (they would need to but for the offer of shelter). EOHLC has not issued guidance about how field offices should implement this requirement, and has stated that no new guidance is required. However, families in this situation are regularly denied placement. If a family is otherwise eligible and has no place to go, they should be placed in shelter pending a DCF health and safety assessment. (EA Advocacy Guide, Advocacy tip p. 20)

Previous rules: If none of the above apply, one must demonstrate that the family has already spent at least one night in a place not meant for human habitation (ED, bus/train station, car, park, etc.). This must be verified by a special DCF housing worker- so the family must stay in such a place for as long as it takes DCF to do their investigation. If kids can stay in a safe place, even though it means family will be separated, the family is not currently eligible for EA shelter.

See Category 4 advocacy tips

Bars or Ineligibility Criteria include

If you are given a placement that is too far or is not a good fit for a different reason, go anyway. Do not refuse placement, or you will lose your right to shelter for 12 months. You can appeal a placement and/or ask your homeless coordinator for a transfer closer to your home community.

12 Month Rule- family is barred/ineligible for EA shelter if they were in EA shelter (or referred and did not go) within the last 12 months, with certain exceptions. Also applies if one had a Flex Funds subsidy and violated that program's rules. See more about the 12 month bar.

One exception is for those timing out of HomeBASE who generally are only barred for 3 months, or even less if moved to safe, permanent housing that turns out not to have been safe and permanent at time of move. (Source)

Family made itself homeless for purposes of getting EA assistance or housing subsidy

Family abandoned public or subsidized housing in the past year without good cause

Family was evicted from PUBLIC or subsidized housing for not paying rent or fraudulent behavior within past 3 years (unless "bad actor" is no longer part of household seeking assistance).

Family was evicted from PRIVATE, public or subsidized housing for criminal behavior (unless "bad actor" is no longer part of household seeking assistance)

Family didn't cooperate with EA housing search or certain HomeBASE requirements

Adult family member quit a job, reduced hours or refused an offer of additional hours within 90 days unless had "good cause". Good cause might include that you had to attend to a family crisis, emergency or did not have state-licensed child care

A teen parent who was asked to leave 3 teen living programs because of rules violations or refused a teen-living placement.

- More detail see: https://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apartments-shelter/emergency-shelter/can-you-be-denied-shelter-even-if-you-are-homeless

Other EA Program Information

See our EA Detailed Information & Advocacy Page or specific sections:
Types of Shelter, Shelter offers - rights and responsibilities, housing search services, and rights and responsibilities (including compliance and avoiding termination and the resulting 12 month bar).
EA Advocacy Guide - from masslegalservices.org - please note 2023 date; due to rapid changes in 2024, some sections are outdated, particularly shelter types and new length of stay limits. See updates above.
Emergency Assistance Regulations, Statutes and Notices
Uniform Shelter Program Rules, Guidelines and Forms
Proposed Settlement Could Bring Big Changes to Mass. Family Shelter System, MGH Community News, March 2023

EA Shelter Interruption Form
--A family can only use EA shelter one time within 12 months. Once a sheltered family leaves shelter, they are ineligible for shelter for the next twelve months. Advocates, such as Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, are advising all families to submit a shelter interruption statement upon leaving shelter, in case the new situation becomes untenable within this 12 month period. The shelter interruption statement documents a request, and then DTA approval, for a temporary move.
EOHLC Constituent Services (for issues in shelter): 617-573-1377
Language Access

EA In the News

Proposed Settlement Could Bring Big Changes to Mass. Family Shelter System, MGH Community News, March 2023
Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Language Access Settlement, MGH Community News, October 2017

Family Welcome Centers

Family Welcome Center (FWC) and Clinical Safety Risk Assessment site (CSRA) Updates (12/24)

Due to the closure of Eastern Nazarene College, the Quincy FWC has moved to a new location on Hancock Street in Quincy in December and the Quincy CSRA at Eastern Nazarene will close. All high-risk families will now be supported at the current CSRA site in Revere.

These centers can help connect you to state services like food and cash benefits as well as basic supplies like diapers and hygiene products.

Family Welcome Center Allston:

14 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA

Open: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm; Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm; Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm; Closed Holidays (As per Massachusetts legal public holiday schedule see here plus BWC will close 11/29,12/29,12/30 & 7/3)

You CANNOT apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

Family Welcome Center Quincy:

1120 Hancock Street, 1st Floor, South Entrance (off Johnson Avenue), Quincy, MA

Open: Monday, Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm; Closed Saturday; Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm; Holidays 9:00am – 3:00pm

You CAN apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

You may also be able to apply for work authorization (EAD) at this location

Family Welcome Center Mattapan:

1626 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126

Open: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm, Closed Sunday ; Holidays 8:00am - 1:00pm

You CANNOT apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter at this location

You may also be able to apply for work authorization (EAD) at this location

- Source/more info/updates: mass.gov/info-details/resources-for-ea-eligible-families#immediate-support-

Non-EA Family Shelter

Family Shelter Community Rooms- If the family is ineligible for EA shelter or can't access EA because it is outside of DTA business hours, there are a limited number of "Community Rooms" available across the state. There is a high demand for these rooms- call to check availability.

FamilyAid Boston - operates their own family shelter. Families must be homeless, from Boston, have children under the age of 18 and be over-income or otherwise ineligible for EA (Emergency Assistance family shelter program).

Families must be screened for eligibility. Contact:

the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities - EOHLC (Formerly the Department of Housing and Community Development or DHCD) at (617) 573-1100.
Those in the City of Boston can also call the Mayor’s Hotline for assistance. Dial 311 to be connected (or 617-635-4500 if you can’t dial 311).

The program typically runs a waitlist.

Of note, their advocates are clinical social workers who assist not only with housing, but with employment and mental health concerns. May be helpful to prepare patients that they will be asking about more than just housing issues. FamilyAid Boston also offers additional services, including employment services for their clients.

More on their website: familyaidboston.org.

Pregnant and Parenting Young Women

Bethesda House
- Shelter in Pembroke MA for women typically 18-25 years old, pregnant or parenting a baby and with no current issues with substance abuse

Note: religiously affiliated; mission includes "The basis of our home is built on God’s love and how life can be transformed through a relationship with Jesus." See What We Believe for more.
More information and to apply or call/text 781-361-2418

HomeBASE

Families eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA- family shelter) should be assessed for HomeBASE Household assistance of up to $10,000/per year (in 2020) to help the family stay in place or relocate. Funds can be used flexibly to cover such needs as rental arrearage payments, security deposits, payments to host families, furniture, and medical bill assistance. Combined RAFT and HomeBASE assistance cannot exceed $10,000/year (in 2020).

Families who are eligible for HomeBASE and are in need of immediate shelter, as determined by EOHLC, may be placed in temporary accommodations while waiting to use the other HomeBASE benefits.

To Apply: Must be EA eligible (except for homeless) and apply for EA.
EA and HomeBASE applications are currently accepted via phone, EA and HomeBASE applications are currently via phone, call 866-584-0653, Mon to Fri 8-4, Mon to Fri 8-4, or via one of the Welcome Centers that assists with applications.
HomeBase- on Mass.gov

HomeBASE brochure - 2011

When HomeBase recipients are subject to 12 month bar on receiving EA benefits (Housing Stabilization Notice 2012-03, DHCD, April 20, 2012)

HomeBase in the News:

HomeBASE Backlogged - Landlords Being Driven Away - MGH Community News, September 2024