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Staff Access
Basic Needs
Housing
Housing Assistance
General Information
Click on the links below to jump to each section:
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Key Resource: Housing Consumer Education Centers - They offer information and referral services, and hold housing search workshops and workshops on accessing benefits. These services are free and open to the public.
- Key Resource: Our Handouts
- Key Resource: Metrolist - a clearinghouse for income-restricted and affordable housing opportunities in Boston and neighboring communities.
Housing Advocates
Housing advocates are few and far between. There are a few situations where people can get education and some level of support, these are listed below. But few will be able to get an advocate who can help in an ongoing way throughout the housing search process.
Patients can search Housing Works (https://www.housingworks.net/) for a Housing Advocate. Advocates help apply to housing and track applications. (Recommended browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, “the Edge” or Safari)
Unhoused People (See Homelessness for other services, or Shelter) – Housing Advocacy
Unhoused Clients
- Those who utilize the shelter system should have access to housing advocacy services through the shelter.
- Commonwealth Land Trust Housing Advocacy- Intake Tuesdays- Held every Tuesday from 10:00AM-2:00PM at 1059 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02120. No appointment is required. (2/24)
- Can assist individuals in the Boston Housing Authority's service area with housing applications.
- To be eligible individuals need to be unhoused, living in a shelter (or transitional living situation, e.g., a halfway house), and have a disability. Individuals MUST meet all three criteria to qualify.
Unhoused Families (those with children)- unhoused families should be referred to DHCD worker at local DTA office. If placed in congregate or scattered site shelter should have (limited) access to housing advocate, if placed in motel, technically should have (limited) access to housing advocate, but reports indicate that this may not be happening.
Elders- Boston area unhoused elders can be referred to the HEARTH (617-369-1550) program. The HEARTH program is connected to and screens cases at all of the main Boston area individual shelters. If the elder is new to the shelter system, contact the HEARTH program to pre-submit an intake form to ensure the client is identified in a timely manner. Also see: Elders Living at Home program
Women - Boston area unhoused women. Women's Lunch Place - Open Monday - Saturday, 7AM - 2PM Breakfast: 8AM - 10:30AM | Lunch: 12PM - 2PM Advocates provide individualized services to guests to help break the barriers to stable housing. Also offer breakfast and lunch, seasonal gear, toiletries, undergarments, feminine hygiene products, and other basic necessities at 67 Newbury St. location. Wellness programs offer substance use recovery and mental health supports, and free medical services are available on-site.
Housed Clients
If one is not already homeless, the first step is to evaluate the feasibility of maintaining housing - see Homelessness Prevention. If one is able to stay in a less than ideal situation while applying and waiting for subsidized housing, then we suggest contacting the local Housing Consumer Education Center (or call 800-224-5124) where you can learn about subsidized housing and how to apply and typically have access to computers and phones to begin your search.
People with Disabilities- refer to local Independent Living Center
Non-disabled Adults- generally non-disabled adults who are not involved in the shelter system have to manage their own housing advocacy, but there are educational resources available. We suggest contacting the local Housing Consumer Education Center (or call 800-224-5124) where you can learn about subsidized housing and how to apply and typically have access to computers and phones to begin your search. Also Mass. Community Action Agencies (Community Action Agencies are non-profit human service agencies who provide emergency assistance to people in crisis. They offer help in finding housing, education, job training, and unemployment, among other services)
Housing Clinics - see below.
Subsidized Housing Explained
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Patient Handouts from the CRC
Reality of the Housing Crisis and Help Available (MA) - New England version
Applying for Subsidized Housing in Massachusetts (rev 3/24, seven pages) Spanish version (3/24), Haitian Creole version (3/24), Brazilian Portuguese version (3/24), Traditional Chinese version (3/24)
Housing Clinics- Metro Housing Boston's Housing Hub (Housing Consumer Education Center) has introduced monthly Housing Clinics to the public. clinic dates, times, and registration information will be publicized on their Facebook page. These clinics will be staffed by the Housing Consumer Education Center and will assist in: Housing Search (process, research, etc.), Affordable Housing Application Assistance and Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities.
Related: Overview of Community Resources (Spanish version, Haitian Creole version, Portuguese version, Traditional Chinese version) or see resources in nearby states on our CRC Patient Handouts page
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For overall education and instruction on beginning a housing search, clients should contact their local Housing Consumer Education Center (Metro Housing Boston serves Boston and 29 surrounding communities)
Housing Clinics- Metro Housing Boston's Housing Hub (their Housing Consumer Education Center or HCEC) has introduced monthly Housing Clinics to the public. Clinic dates, times, and registration information will be publicized on their Facebook page. These clinics will be staffed by the Housing Consumer Education Center and will assist in: Housing Search (process, research, etc.), Affordable Housing Application Assistance and Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities.
There are four basic types of affordable housing. Housing advocates have informed us that some are more realistic than others.
Realistic Options:
Less Realistic Options (tend to have long or closed waitlists; do get on these waitlists, but be prepared for long waits):
Realistic Options
- Public Housing
Public Housing is owned and operated by the Local Housing Authority and can be either Federal or State funded. Although income is the primary eligibility criteria, preference is given to those who live or work in the town. To qualify one must be below 80% of the area median income (see MA income limits). Tenants pay about 30% of income for rent and utilities. Specific units are reserved for families (including families of one), and those who are elderly and/or disabled. Note: immigrants without status are eligible for state-funded housing.
- To apply:
- Online- you can use the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP) to apply online.
- In person- If you do not want to apply online, you can fill out the paper CHAMP and mail or hand deliver it to a local housing authority (LHA). CHAMP is available to print in 8 languages- see mass.gov. If you are applying to more than one housing authority, indicate on the Housing Selections list the housing authorities where you would like to apply and the program you are applying for- family, elderly/handicapped. Submit the completed application to a housing authority. The information will then be entered online by that housing authority, and your application will be submitted to the LHAs that you selected. If you submit a paper application instead of applying online, you can still use the CHAMP website to make changes or updates to your application. List of Local Housing Authorities.
- Find open waitlists: Patients or advocates can search Housing Works (https://www.housingworks.net/) (Recommended browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, “the Edge” or Safari)
- See MassLegalHelp's Housing Guide for more information.
- Project Based Subsidies
- Project-Based Vouchers
In Massachusetts, the main project-based subsidy developments are HUD developments and the MassHousing Developments. Tenants typically pay 30 percent of their income in rent. Most developments are run by private management companies hired by the developers, and each has its own preferences. Applicants must apply individually to each development. A listing of HUD subsidized apartments can be obtained by calling HUD’s New England Regional Office at 617-994-8200 ext. 3, or the website http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8. Also see MassHousing.
- Find open waitlists: Patients or advocates can search Housing Works (https://www.housingworks.net/)(Recommended browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, “the Edge” or Safari)
Tip: Metro Housing|Boston (formerly Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership or MBHP) has their own stock of units that have a Section 8 subsidy attached to the residence. These are generally single rooms with shared facilities such as an “SRO” (Single Room Occupancy). The waitlist for this program is usually short- usually a matter of a couple of months.
- Tax Credit Units
As there is not enough funding to cover the high demand for subsidized housing, the state offers special tax credits to property owners who offer a certain number of units at below market rates. These rates are fixed, and do NOT adjust based on one’s income. Applications are made directly to the building that one is interested in. These units are listed in the MassHousing Housing List Booklet.
Less Realistic Options (tend to have long or closed waitlists; get on these waitlists, but start with other options)
- Section 8 (mobile)
Section 8 housing vouchers are funded by the Federal Government. Section 8 vouchers are usually mobile, meaning that once awarded a voucher one can move anywhere in the country. They usually require an individual to pay between 30-40% of his/her gross income for rent. Income limits for eligibility vary, but typically fall within 30-50% of area median income (see Hud income limits). Section 8 waitlists are generally very long, averaging 8-10 years. There is no such thing as “Emergency Section 8”.
- To apply: Advocates recommend applying for Section 8 through BOTH the Local Housing Authority in communities where you'd be willing to live AND the general waitlist
- Local Housing Authorities
(LHAs)
- Centralized waitlist with 99 participating local housing authorities (out of 253 LHAs in the state): section8listmass.org. Advocates encourage you to identify any LHAs in communities where you'd be willing to live that do not participate in the list and apply to directly to those through the LHAs. Some LHAs do not have a Section 8 program, or their waitlists may be closed. (Note: Section 8 waitlists are very long. Public housing waits tend to be shorter.)
AND
- the general waitlist at the regional housing agency (usually same agency as Housing Consumer Education Center)
- Tips: Once You Have a Voucher
- Once you have an apartment it is important to update the housing authority if you have any change in income, rent, household make-up as the amount of rent you pay changes dependent on these factors. More info on Section 8...
- Finding an Apartment with a Section 8 Voucher
- Avoiding Realtor Fees
- Realtor's fees are generally equal to 1 month's rent and neither Section 8 nor RAFT pay for these fees. You can filter Craigslist searches by “no fee” apartments. The family can call local realtors and ask about units where the landlord is willing to pay the realtor fee (less common but not unheard of). Look around town for “for rent” signs as these are often by rented owner and no fee, or calling the management companies of local managed properties and inquiring about open units, since some management companies screen applicants without the use of a realtor.
- When calling to inquire about a unit or touring units
- Don’t disclose that you have a voucher until you’re submitting an application for a unit. It’s illegal for landlords to refuse vouchers (it’s housing discrimination), but it’s easy to not return voicemails or tell someone a unit is no longer available if they call asking about Section 8. It’s much harder to deny someone once they’ve viewed the unit and hopefully made a good impression. Management companies are often more familiar with of non-discrimination requirements than private landlords.
- Provide the minimum information necessary (i.e., my daughter and I are looking for a 2 bedroom apartment in the Roxbury area, is this one still available?) and to have an answer prepared for when they’re inevitably asked about employment or source of income (if appropriate you can say “I’m disabled, but have stable disability insurance”) that isn’t overly revealing.
- Medical Extensions
- Section 8 vouchers expire it you don't sign a lease - typically within 90 days. Does the voucher holder have a medical or mental health condition that inhibits their ability to complete a housing search? A medical provider can submit a letter asking the agency issuing the voucher for an extension.The letter does NOT need to specify diagnosis.
- What can you afford with your voucher?
- Thanks to Kara Huselton for sharing these tips! (3/21 and 8/21)
- MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program)
MRVP can be either “Mobile” or “Project-Based” Project-based subsidies are attached to a specific building or apartment. There are no immigration requirements for this state-funded voucher. Rent is up to 40% of one’s income, dependent upon whether utilities are included or not. At this point in time, MRVP wait lists have been closed for several years waiting state funding. It is best to check with the local housing authority or regional housing agency for up-to-date information about the availability of this type of subsidy. More info on MRVP...
- FY 13 Budget note: an additional $6M in new vouchers have been allocated for this program, but will mostly be earmarked for families already in the EA shelter system (approximately 400 vouchers) or for those needing specialized supportive housing programs (approximately 150 vouchers).
Is there such a thing as emergency housing?
There are homeless shelters (individual or EA/Family shelters for example) - see our shelter page for lists and more information.
But to understand "emergency housing" related to permanent subsidized housing you have to understand priorities and preferences:
Priorities and Preferences - Subsidized housing units in Massachusetts almost always run waitlists. Many have specific priorities and preferences that they apply to those on the list. Qualifying for a priority or preference will move one nearer to the top of the waitlist. In some instances, a waiting list may be closed to people without preferences and open only to people who qualify for certain preferences. Even with a priority/preference it is common to still have a long wait for an available unit. (For more on priorities and preferences see our subsidized Housing Search Basics handout. p 8).
"Emergency Status"- is a term that Massachusetts-funded public housing uses for their priority/preference category. Massachusetts’ state-funded public housing programs (a specific type of subsidized housing where the subsidy is attached to a building rather than given as a voucher to the family) typically require a separate, additional application to qualify for “emergency status”. If one is granted emergency status, the housing authority agrees to place the applicant at or near the top of the waiting list. Note that qualifying for emergency status does not guarantee immediate housing; it moves one higher on the waitlist. (More information at www.masslegalhelp.org/housing/applying.)
Length of Waiting Lists- The length of waiting lists varies, and tends to be shorter in public housing than for vouchers such as section 8. For some perspective, from a February 23, 2014 article (parentheses added):
“...the wait for affordable or subsidized housing can now be as long as a decade. The state gives homeless families (i.e., with children) in shelters expedited status that can reduce their wait to about two years, but that means others on the list wait longer. As an example of the demand, Gornstein (Massachusetts Undersecretary of Housing Aaron Gornstein) said 95,000 families are on the waiting list for one type of subsidized housing, Section 8.”
-http://wgbhnews.org/post/state-seeks-move-homeless-hotel-rooms-group-homes
Related: Boston's Average Apartment Rent is the Third-Highest in the US - MGH Community News, October 2016
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Advocacy Guide from MassLegalHelp.org – Finding Public and Subsidized Housing. Detailed advocacy guide written in plain English; sections include: Housing Programs, How to Apply, Eligibility, Who Has Priority?, How Waiting Lists Work, Tenant Screening, Challenging a Denial of Housing, Using a Section 8 Voucher, Immigrants and Housing,Reasonable Accommodations.
Eligibility Reference Materials & Forms
Applying and Housing Lists
Affordable Housing Staff Meeting Presentation- Metro Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) 2/17
Local Housing Authorities vs. Regional Housing Agencies
Almost every town or city in Massachusetts has a Local housing authority (LHA) that owns and manages public housing within their own locality, and maintain state and federal waitlists for section 8 and other state subsidies. The regional non-profits (Housing Consumer Education Centers) such as the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) have their own regional waitlists for Section 8, MRVP and some limited project based units. These waitlists are separate than the ones held by the local housing authorities; clients can be on both. Waitlists at housing authorities may have preferences and priorities for local residents and other special categories, whereas the regional operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis, with no priority status. Regionals have the additional advantage of also having Housing Consumer Education Centers that aims to help those in need successfully navigate the complicated affordable housing system. Tip 1: Each Housing Authority may have independent preferences and priorities. Housing Authorities are required to make printed copies of current preferences and priorities for subsidized housing available- ask for it. Tip 2: Although some housing authorities use a Centralized Section 8 Application and/or accept a common Standard Application for public housing, each Housing Authority runs independent of another. It is important to advise clients that might have a priority status such as proof of homelessness and a disability to contact the LHA in every community in which they would be willing to live and make sure they are given priority.
Tip 3: Applicants are strongly advised to keep a record of where she/he applied. If the applicant moves while awaiting public housing, it is essential to notify each LHA of the new address. If the applicant moves to the top of the list and they cannot contact him/her because of an outdated address, the applicant moves back to the bottom of the waiting list.
- Local Housing Authorities: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/local-housing-authority-contact-listing
Massachusetts Regional Nonprofit Housing Agencies - Housing Consumer Education Centers: www.masshousinginfo.org/
There are nine Regional Nonprofit Housing Agencies/Housing Consumer Education Centers in Massachusetts that administer Section 8. They offer information and referral services, and hold housing search workshops and workshops on accessing benefits. These services are free and open to the public.
- Metro Housing Boston's housing search database for the Metro Boston area: www.metrohousingboston.org and click on the “Apartment Listings” tab.
HousingWorks.net is an internet-based housing search service. As of February 2019, you can now download all subsidized and affordable housing applications for FREE on this site! It reportedly is the best single source for updated information on openings and to get applications to apply at many different types of housing. (Note: There are two sections to their site - "finding housing" and "finding a housing advocate." The "finding housing" section is useful, be aware though that the "finding a housing advocate" section includes most users of the system- many of whom do not take housing advocacy referrals.)
See also: HousingWorks.net - Training & Tips and HousingWorks Says ALL Subsidized and Affordable Applications Now Available Through Site - MGH Community News, February 2019 Program Highlight: Housingworks.net -MGH Community News, June 2008
MassHousing List
MassAccess - This program has been replaced by by two websites:
- Housing Navigator MA is the official online listing and search tool for accessible and affordable rental homes in Massachusetts.
- MyMassHome is the official online listing and search tool for accessible and affordable homeownership opportunities in Massachusetts.
(The Mass Accessible Housing Registry was a free program that helps people with disabilities find rental housing, primarily accessible and barrier-free housing, in Massachusetts. Instructions and database: www.massaccesshousingregistry.org/)
HUD Multifamily Housing
- HUD Multifamily Inventory (elderly and disabled buildings) HUD Subsidized Apartment Search Database - Massachusetts | Other States
- Listing of Massachusetts HUD Multifamily Housing Developments, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
--reference copy available by calling the CRC X 6-8182
- Universal Standard Application for state-aided Public Housing (Note date- we are currently investigating whether this application is current)
- For other similar forms such as Emergency standard application and request for accommodations (on Department of Housing and Community Development website).
New Hampshire Directory of Assisted Housing- lists rental properties that offer income restrictions or rent subsidies. This directory does not provide information on the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. To search the directory, please choose a town and/or a housing type.
Resources for Specific Populations
Nursing Home Residents
- Housing Vouchers Available to Transition Out of Nursing Home - PILOT (7/21)
- The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is partnering with Independent Living Centers across Massachusetts and the Department of Housing and Community Development to offer housing vouchers specifically for people coming out of skilled nursing facilities.
- You may be eligible to receive affordable housing through this pilot if you are:
- 59 or younger,
- A person with a disability,
- Low-income, and
- A resident of a skilled nursing facility
This pilot program will supply 50 rental assistance vouchers from the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to eligible residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities to live in the community. If more than 50 eligible people apply, a lottery will be held to determine who will receive vouchers.
Download an Application or the large print version. You can also request the application be mailed to you by calling 617-338-6665.
For assistance or further information on this program, please visit this link or contact your local Independent Living Center
- From DPC Update, June 29, 2021.
- Also see: MassHealth Home and Community Based Waivers - Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are programs for MassHealth members who otherwise need facility-based care. Some are set up for MassHealth members who are in nursing homes or rehabilitation hospitals, and who want to live in the community. These are the Home and Community Based Services Waivers. Massachusetts can “waive” or to set aside some of the Medicaid (MassHealth) rules so that people can return to the community, with support.
- Mass Rehab Commission (MRC) operates three waivers:
- Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI Waiver)
- Acquired Brain Injury Non-Residential Waiver (ABI-N Waiver)
- Moving Forward Plan Community Living Waiver (MFP-CL Waiver)
- The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) administers two related waivers:
- More information: MassHealth Home and Community Based Waivers
- More information for Frail Elder Waivers (must be living in the community)
Immigrants
Subsidized Housing and Immigration Status
Massachusetts state-funded public housing developments have no immigration status restrictions. If the housing authority requires an applicant's Social Security number, the applicant should inform the housing authority that they have not been assigned a social security number and ask what other forms of identification they may provide instead.
For federally funded public housing, at least one person in a household my be lawfully present in the United States. This means they have to be a citizen, have a green card, be a refugee, etc. An eligible member may be a child and does not have to be the head of household. If there are people in a household who are not considered "legal" immigrants, the household is still eligible for a federal subsidy, but the amount will be pro-rated to cover only the legal resident(s). It is important that all applicants, regardless of their immigration status, honestly report their income when applying for housing subsidies. Undocumented immigrants should apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an ITIN, an identification number that allows them to pay taxes on all income even without legal status.
Reporting Requirements
Under 1996 welfare reform, state agencies are not required to report an immigrant to immigration authorities unless the immigrant give the agency proof that he or she is under a final order of deportation and the individual is applying for public benefits for him/herself. In Massachusetts, the only agencies required to report the individuals who meet those two criteria (and are thus "known to be in the U.S. unlawfully") are the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Social Security Administration (for SSI cases) and local housing authorities (for federal public housing). No other state agencies are mandated to report (including Department of Public Health, Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Mental Retardation, and the Department of Education).
Advocates should inform undocumented parents who apply for benefits on behalf of the lawfully present children that agencies should only seek information on the U.S. citizenship or immigration status of the family members seeking the benefits. These parents do not have to give any information about their own immigration status. Call MIRA at 617-350-5480 with questions or concerns about this.
More Information/Patient Handout: see Supplement: Options for Non-Citizens
(Supplement to our Applying for Subsidized Housing in Massachusetts handout)
Rooming Houses/SROs
- Single Room Occupancies are rooming houses with single rooms. Residents normally share a bathroom and kitchen.
- Online search: HousingWorks provides an online housing search tool. In the "Number of bedrooms" box, you can select "SRO" to locate Single Room Occupancies in the area of your choice.
- Subsidized SRO units- Boston area, contact or visit the Metro Housing Boston (formerly Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership) for an application. You may also print and complete the Section 8 Project-Based Voucher Program Pre-Application for Housing Assistance form at home and return it to Metro Housing Boston. There may be a waitlist for some of these units.
- Program Highlights
Barriers to Finding Affordable Housing & Advocacy Tips
- CORI checks are required when applying for subsidized housing. Not all criminal offenses are a bar to affordable housing. Other than certain very serious crimes (i.e., a violent, sexual offense or drug-related activity), many other offenses can be overcome with some advocacy. Housing Authorities vary in the screening process, some being more lenient about what is considered a “serious offense”. One can appeal a Housing Authority's decision by providing character references or letters of support.
Tip: Clients can always request a copy of their personal CORI. The personal copy is DIFFERENT than the limited CORI a Housing Authority receives; clients should be advised to NOT share the complete CORI as it may contain more information.
See also:
- Bad Credit or Eviction - An applicant with a history of bad credit or even an eviction can appeal a Housing Authority’s decision. Compelling evidence of rehabilitation can include letters of support from a previous landlord, phone or utility bills, which show punctuality of payment.
- Immigration status may directly impact eligibility for subsidized housing. Generally, those without U.S. citizenship can apply for housing that is STATE-FUNDED.
Tip: If a Housing Authority requests a Social Security number from an applicant, they should inquire as to what other forms of identification they may provide instead.
In contrast, most federal housing programs require that one or more household members have legal status. Victims of trafficking are eligible without regard to status.
Tip: Although a "Mixed" household where some, but not all, members have legal status can apply for Federal Housing, the housing assistance may be pro-rated to subsidize only those family members with legal immigration status. In some cases, large families with mostly undocumented members may end up with such a small subsidy that they may be able to find lower rents on the private market.
- Enter the Shelter System to Access Longer-Term Housing? (Don't do it)
Understanding the Housing Crisis
- Thousands of Mass. Residents Languish on Subsidized Housing Wait Lists, MGH Community News, July 2023.
- Investors Mine for Profits in Affordable Housing, Leaving Thousands of Tenants at Risk- MGH Community News, April 2021
- New Fact Sheet - HUD’s Proposal to Evict Mixed-Status Immigrant Families- MGH Community News, June 2019
- Immigrant Families in Public Housing Units Threatened by Trump Administration Proposal- MGH Community News, May 2019
- To Stem Displacement, Boston Will Set Value of Housing Vouchers by ZIP Code- MGH Community News, May 2019
- Housing Crisis Has MA Seniors in a Squeeze - MGH Community News, March 2019
- Boston Allocates $26 Million For Affordable Housing Developments - MGH Community News, February 2019
- Legislators Seek Right to Counsel for Those Facing Eviction- MGH Community News, February 2019
- A Clash of Affordable Housing Visions - MGH Community News, September 2018
- Boston Raises its Goal for New Housing by 30 Percent - MGH Communtiy News, September 2018
- Exploring the Link Between Housing and Health - MGH Communtiy News, June 2018
- Report Finds Widespread Bullying in Public Housing- MGH Community News, January 2018
- Corporate Rentals are Complicating Boston’s Housing Market - MGH Community News, June 2017
Reference Much of the material on this page is from the following articles:
Other States
- Maine
- Maine Housing- Maine State Housing Authority
- New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
- Rhode Island
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