13 Resources
State housing finance agency offering affordable mortgages, down payment assistance, rental assistance programs, and homebuyer education for Massachusetts residents. Mortgages are available through participating lenders statewide; income and purchase price limits apply. Homebuyer education classes are required for many programs and are offered online and in person through approved providers. Visit the website to compare programs and find a participating lender.
617-854-1000 · 1 Beacon St, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
State Department of Housing and Community Development (now part of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities) oversees public housing, Section 8, MRVP and other rental assistance, homelessness prevention (RAFT and ERMA), and community development across Massachusetts. Most benefits are accessed through local housing authorities and community action agencies; the state website lists the local office for every city and town.
617-573-1100 · 100 Cambridge St, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Federal Housing and Urban Development office overseeing public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Fair Housing enforcement, and HUD-approved housing counseling in Massachusetts. Individual applications for Section 8 go through local housing authorities, not this office. Call 1-800-569-4287 for free HUD-approved housing counseling on budgeting, buying, foreclosure prevention, and rental issues; bring income info, lease or mortgage, and any notices.
617-994-8200 · 10 Causeway St, Room 301, Boston, MA 02222 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
State-funded rental voucher program for low-income Massachusetts households providing portable tenant-based subsidies and project-based units through local housing authorities. Waitlists vary by community; some are open and some closed at any given time. Apply through CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing) at www.mass.gov/champ or in person at a local housing authority. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and birth certificates for household members.
617-573-1100 · Apply through local housing authority · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
State emergency shelter and assistance program (EA) for families with children and pregnant women experiencing homelessness or imminent housing loss in Massachusetts. Administered through DHCD and local DTA offices. Call the EA intake line or visit a DTA office to apply; bring photo ID, Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, birth certificates for children, and any eviction notices or documentation of homelessness. Income-eligibility applies.
866-584-0653 · Apply at local DTA office · Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website
Community action agency providing emergency rental assistance (including RAFT), fuel assistance (LIHEAP), financial coaching, Head Start, WIC, and anti-poverty programs in Worcester County. Free for income-eligible households. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), current lease or mortgage statement, and utility bills. Eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines.
508-754-1176 · 484 Main St, Suite 420, Worcester, MA 01608 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Community action agency serving Framingham and the MetroWest region with emergency housing, RAFT, fuel assistance, financial coaching, workforce development, and DV services (Voices Against Violence). Free for income-eligible households. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, current lease or mortgage statement, and utility bills. Many services require appointments scheduled in advance.
508-620-2300 · 7 Bishop St, Framingham, MA 01702 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Statewide policy organization providing housing resources, tenant guides, affordable housing search tools, and foreclosure prevention information for Massachusetts residents. Does not take individual tenant cases; instead publishes guides in English, Spanish, and other languages and connects renters and owners to HUD-approved housing counselors and local legal aid. Visit the website for free downloadable guides and a directory of MA housing counseling agencies.
617-742-0820 · 18 Tremont St, Suite 401, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
New England's largest homeless services provider, offering emergency shelter for men and women, permanent supportive housing, workforce development, and outreach to people sleeping rough in Greater Boston. Emergency shelter is accessible on a walk-in basis at the Harrison Ave campus; call ahead for current bed availability. No fee, no ID required for emergency shelter. Workforce and housing programs have application processes; call to learn about eligibility.
617-892-9100 · 444 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 · 24/7 emergency shelter · Visit Website
South Shore homeless services organization providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and workforce development for individuals and families in Plymouth and Norfolk Counties. Emergency shelter is accessible through local coordinated entry; call to be screened for bed availability. No fee required for shelter. Workforce and housing programs have application processes. Bring photo ID, income info, and any benefit letters.
508-427-6448 · 38 Broad St, Quincy, MA 02169 · 24/7 shelter; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Western Massachusetts housing organization providing housing search, rental assistance (including RAFT), homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling, financial coaching, and weatherization across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Free for income-eligible households. Call or visit to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, current lease or mortgage statement, and utility bills.
413-233-1600 · 1780 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Federal fuel assistance program administered through Massachusetts community action agencies helping low-income households pay for heating costs (oil, gas, electric, propane) and receive emergency fuel deliveries. Seasonal program (generally November to April). Apply at the local community action agency for your city or town; bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of all household income, and recent utility and heating bills.
617-573-1100 · Apply through local community action agency · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (seasonal Nov-April) · Visit Website
State program providing up to $7,000 over a 12-month period in financial assistance to prevent homelessness for low-income families and individuals at risk of losing their housing due to back rent, utility arrears, moving costs, or other housing emergencies. Apply through your regional Housing Consumer Education Center or community action agency; bring photo ID, lease or mortgage, proof of income, and documentation of the housing crisis (eviction notice, utility shutoff).
617-573-1100 · Apply through local community action agency · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website