Applications for state-aided subsidized housing in Massachusetts:
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), and
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP).
Apartments owned by Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) and is directly rented to eligible applicants.
For both Applications:
Applicant must possess household income at or under roughly 80% of the Area Median Income.
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)
For current income limits, please visit EOHLC website.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
For current income limits, please visit MRVP website.
Prioritized characteristics for specific homeless situations:
Displaced by fire.
Displaced by natural forces (i.e. flood, earthquake).
Displaced by urban renewal or eminent domain.
Displaced by condemnation of home or code violations.
No fault loss of housing - such as condominium conversion, owner wants unit for personal or family use, or discharge from nursing home or long-term care facility.
Victim of abuse (domestic violence).
Severe medical emergency.
Boston and Cambridge require signing up online for their respective application portals independent to CHAMP. It is important to note that "local preference" (which represents priority in the housing process) - will only be granted if the applicant currently works or previously resided in the city jurisdiction. Anyone can apply!
Eligibility will vary based on the specific program applied to. Below are some general guidelines. Consult the following link to review specific and most updated information regarding your specific program: BHA Eligibility
Income Limits: Click the link for more information: BHA Income Limits
Background Screening: BHA will conduct a background check for criminal history, eviction records, ability to pay rent on time, and maintain a clean and healthy home. This information will be verified by current and previous landlords and neighbor references. Immigration status/Social Security Numbers may be checked.
Identification: All adult applicants must have a valid photo ID.
Family Housing ONLY: Households are assigned a specific number of bedrooms based on family size.
Elderly/Disabled Housing ONLY: The head of household must be at least 60 or 62 years old.
Please review the information on the above link for special program requirements and then proceed or abandon your application
The Cambridge Housing Authority Offers 4 Unique Programs, Each with Unique Requirements:
Family Housing Program
Definitions: Click Here for the latest Family Housing Program Fact Sheet!
Requirements:
Applicant's Household Income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income.
Applicant or head of household must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
Senior/Disabled Housing
Definitions:
A senior person is at least 58 years old.
A disabled person has: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record of an impairment; oo is regarded as being impaired. Disability does not include current use or addiction to illegal drugs.
Requirements:
Applicant's Household Income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income.
Applicant must meet the definition of Senior and/or Disabled, as described above.
Applicant or head of household must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
Single-Room Occupancy (SRO)
Definition:
Single rooms are for one person and have a lock and key. In most SRO developments, tenants share kitchens and bathrooms. Some developments offer highly independent living, while others are supervised.
Requirements:
Applicant's household Income must not exceed 50% of Area Median Income.
Admission to some SRO units is limited to homeless individuals with adequate evidence of their homelessness.
MTW Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) (Section 8 Program)
Definition:
The MTW Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (or Section 8 program) provides eligible households with a subsidy that allows them to rent privately-owned market-rate apartments. Typically, voucher holders pay 30% of their income toward rent. CHA pays the rest up to a cap (the “payment standard”).
Requirements:
Applicant's household Income must not exceed 50% of Area Median Income.
Applicants or households must be Family or Elderly and/or Disabled.
Applicants are encouraged to review the qualifications on the hyperlinked website to ensure they meet the most up-to-date criterion: CHA Requirements
Generally speaking, Section 8 or the Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to assist low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and seniors afford housing in the private market in their localities. Individuals with the voucher will pay a set portion of their income towards housing - the voucher covers the remaining portion.
There are two Section 8 Programs individuals may be eligible from either the Waltham Housing Authority or the Federal Government via the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Each town will have an independent Section 8 Program. While Waltham's is discussed in detail on the website, other cities in the area have similar programs. Other program's information is available upon request.
*Applying for Section 8 is a complicated process that must be done with a case worker - below are some general requirements to consider before a meeting*
Income Verification: Some programs will have income limits capped at a set percentage of the area median income
Proof of Homelessness: You may be asked to provide some form of documentation supporting your claims as to length and nature of homelessness.
Background Check: This may involve reviewing criminal, immigration, and eviction history.
*Applying for Section 8 is a complicated process that must be done with a case worker - below are some general requirements to consider before a meeting*
Age: ONLY individuals who are 60 years old and older qualify - this is the biggest difference between Federal Section 8 and Waltham's Section 8 and is extremely important to consider!
Income Verification: Some programs will have income limits capped at a set percentage of the area median income
Proof of Homelessness: You may be asked to provide some form of documentation supporting your claims as to the length and nature of homelessness.
Background Check: This may involve reviewing criminal, immigration, and eviction history.
The Massachusetts Housing Lottery is a program designed to offer affordable rental housing opportunities to individuals and families across the state.
Provides access to housing through a lottery system, where eligible applicants are selected to rent subsidized units throughout Massachusetts.
Program also offers a first-time homebuyer program through Mass Housing, in which potential buyers submit their application along with supporting documents to be reviewed and approved for the program. Both income-restricted rental units and newly constructed for-sale properties are applied for through a lottery system.
As all of these units are located within private properties, application requirements will vary greatly. As a result, most clients will find that they are eligible for several lottery opportunities. While the requirements listed below are generalized, you are strongly encouraged to check the specific requirements associated with the specific lottery the application is for.
General Guidelines:
ALL applications will require proof of income
ALL clients must meet AMI (Area Median Income) limit - documentation is needed as proof
SOME applications are exclusive to the elderly (aged 60/62+) or the disabled
MOST applications require documentation supporting homelessness claim
Apartments that operate separately from housing authorities and are typically funded by state or federal funds from HUD. They have their own application process and set of policies and are very commonly for elders, non-elderly, disabled, or both.
Helpful Tip: It's possible that the wait is much shorter than at the housing authority
While no standardized requirements exist, all private housing programs require the applicant to be elderly, disabled, or both! In addition, the process may include proof of income validation, background checks (eviction history, criminal record, etc.), and likely other supporting documentation from a case manager. Clients should review specific application processes and requirements for the available private housing properties below.
Arsenal Apartments:
Only the Elderly and/or Disabled are invited to apply.
Two Life Communities: This is a common application for multiple properties
Only individuals who are 60+ and/or Disabled are invited to apply.
The Mills:
Only the Elderly and/or Disabled are invited to apply.
Merriam Village:
Only the Elderly (60+) are invited to apply.
There are three widely available forms of shared housing solutions for clients:
Single Room Occupancy Residences (SRO):
An SRO is similar to living in a dormitory. Most contain 20+ rooms in a large building with a public shower and kitchen to be shared amongst all residents. This is commonly the least ideal source of shared housing, leading to (on average) lower wait times.
Congregate Housing:
Congregate Housing is state-funded housing that is more private than a traditional SRO, although the specific living conditions tend to vary based on the town or city the housing is located in. In Waltham, congregate housing is comprised of three tenants in one apartment that shares a living room, bathroom, and kitchen but has separate private bedrooms. This is the most ideal form of shared housing and, on average, has longer wait times than SROs or Coordinated Entry.
Helpful Tips:
As shared living tends to be less popular (on average), there may be a lower wait time as compared to more desirable private living arrangements.
If any of these programs are of interest to you, please inform your case manager, who will assist you in the application process.
Requirements vary by program and service, but common criteria often include:
Minimum income thresholds
Documentation supporting claims of homelessness or disability
Ability to live independently
Health Assessments
Helpful Tip: Be sure to check individual requirements for every program and service of interest to the client!
"Market Housing" is a descriptive term for any private-market housing rentals available to the public. Unlike all other programs or services listed in this guide, everyone who is physically able to live independently can pursue a private rental. This type of housing is not subsidized or income-restricted, making it accessible to individuals who can afford market-rate prices. Examples include apartments, single-family homes, and condominiums listed by private landlords or property management companies. Market housing is desirable as it offers flexibility and choice.
Requirements vary by landlord or property management company but common criteria often include:
Minimum income thresholds
Credit score qualifications
A review of rental history, including any past evictions
Helpful Tip: Be sure to check individual requirements on every listing of interest to the client!
Coordinated Entry is a federal program that is a component of the Continuum of Care program under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Coordinated Entry is designed to streamline access to housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It prioritizes those with the most urgent needs, including people with disabilities.
For reference, the Continuum of Care program is designed to coordinate community-wide efforts to prevent and end homelessness. It includes a network of organizations, including nonprofits, government agencies, and housing providers, that collaborate to provide services ranging from outreach and emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing.
Applicants who are accepted into the Coordinated Entry program can be placed in any of the following housing situations based on their unique circumstances and housing stock availability:
Emergency Shelter
Transitional Housing
Shared Housing
Rapid Re-Housing (RRH)
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Affordable Housing
Requirements vary by program and service, but common criteria often include:
The completion of a Coordinated Entry screening*
Minimum income thresholds
Documentation supporting claims of homelessness or disability
Health Assessments
Helpful Tip: Be sure to check individual requirements for every program and service of interest to the client!
*more details on "How to Apply for Coordinated Entry Services" subpage