Housing, Household Needs, Clothing
Housing
Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC or HLC) currently administers the Emergency Assistance (EA) and Homebase. This is the state program providing emergency shelter and support services to eligible families with children and pregnant people experiencing homelessness, and Homebase provides up to $20,000 over 24 months for household assistance or moving assistance to help EA-eligible families obtain housing instead of shelter, or to exit emergency shelter for housing.
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-housing-and-livable-communities
This site provides links for those seeking an emergency shelter, locating a service provider in the community, and applying for rental assistance.
Mass Legal Services provides the Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide (updated 2023)- This guide "includes information for families and advocates on Emergency Assistance and HomeBASE eligibility; how to apply for benefits; families’ rights and expectations while participating in the programs; how to appeal denials, noncompliances, and terminations; how to access rehousing and homelessness prevention resources; and contact information for HLC, legal service organizations, and agencies contracted by HLC to administer HomeBASE and the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) homelessness prevention program."
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RAFT -Rental Assistance for Families in Transition Program
A homelessness prevention program funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development, providing short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Helps households when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.
May provide up to $10,000 per household within a 12-month period to maintain current housing or move to new housing. RAFT may cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent. A Notice to Quit, or eviction notice/court summons will be required to receive assistance for overdue rent for those applying on or after 8/1/22.
Application is online.
https://www.smoc.org/housing-consumer-education-center.php
This is a flyer on the income requirements
https://www.smoc.org/images/RAFT%20FLYER%20(002).jpg
Regional Program for Assistance with RAFT and ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program):
South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc.
7 Bishop Street
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 872-0765
SMOC Rental Assistance Program
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Housing and Shelter Resources- Network Care Behavioral Health Resource Hub resource listing for renters and homeowners, homeless and people with housing court cases. Helpful information.
Mass Coalition For The Homeless- Information for Families with Children
Mass Department of Education
Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program- McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
Emergency Family Shelters
Families facing a housing crisis may be deemed eligible if they meet criteria below:
Be a resident of Massachusetts
Meet the gross income standards for Emergency Assistance
Have needy children under the age of 21, or be pregnant
and the reason for homelessness is one of the following:
No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation, or foreclosure
Fleeing domestic violence (current or within past 12 months)
No-fault eviction
Child(ren) are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk
Emergency Assistance applicants must provide all requested verifications within 30 days.
(866) 584-0653
Or:
Framingham TAO
300 Howard Street
Framingham , MA 01702
508-661-6645
Safelink (statewide Domestic Violence hotline & shelter resources):
1-877-785-2020
Area Housing Authorities
Though wait lists often exist, housing authorities can provide you with current information, application and recommendations.
Hillcrest Village
33 Rockwood Road
P.O. Box 293
Norfolk, MA 02056
norfolkha@verizon.net
508-528-4800
(Senior/Family Housing)
140 East Bacon Street
Plainville, MA 02762
housingauthority@plainville.ma.us
(508) 699-4212
(Elderly/Handicapped Housing only)
1 Garden Lane
Wrentham, MA 02093
(508) 384-2054
Elderly/Young Disabled/Family Housing)
Help with Household Items, Furniture and Clothing for Families in Need
Project Just Because, www.projectjustbecause.org
109 South Street, Hopkinton
508 435-6511
Clothing
Once a week: Clothing for all ages. All MA residents can shop in our clothing store. All items are free of charge.
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am–3:30pm Wednesday 9:30am-6:30pm. No appointments needed. walk ins are welcome. No IDs required. Please wear a mask while shopping.
Some household items
Keep a Family Warm Program
October-February: Winter coats, hats & gloves, boots, snow pants and throw blankets for all ages. Come to PJB for assistance with these items (no request form needed).
Free Grocery Shopping
Once a week: Fresh produce, meats, bakery, dairy, dry goods, and other groceries. All MA residents can shop in our grocery store. All items are free of charge.
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am–3:30pm Wednesday 9:30am-6:30pm
No appointments needed. No IDs required. Please wear a mask while shopping.
A Bed for Every Child
abedforeverychild.org/request-a-bed
A Bed for Every Child is an initiative of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness.
Builds twin bed for children. Strive to provide a new twin box spring and a set of linens.
781-595-7570
Furniture Bank
New Life Furniture Bank in Walpole. New Life Furniture provides household furniture and items for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness into permanent housing.
Warehouse:
102 Elm Street
Walpole, MA 02081
(Does not receive mail)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 573
Medfield, MA 02052
Furniture and household goods
Families need to be referred by agency, place of worship or medical facility. Need to apply to be a referring agency. Link for referral