The Housing Options Program (HOP), operated in Greater Boston, provides housing assistance to low-income disabled persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. HOP is a collaborative effort of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), Department of Public Health (DPH), Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). The program combines Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers with support services. HOP subsidies are allocated by disability with appropriate services provided to each disability group. Each participating human service commission commits funds to support direct services and activities of the lead service agency, JRI Health.
DHCD's Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, which administers this program, has the responsibility for regulatory and administrative oversight of all state and federally-aided rental assistance programs which address the needs of low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
How it works:
Persons accepted into the program receive a Section 8/HCVP Voucher and supportive services. A lead service agency, JRI Health, provides the critical linkages to other service providing agencies throughout the Commonwealth.
Who is eligible:
Very low-income disabled persons who are homeless or living in transitional housing and Section 8/HCVP eligible.
Application process:
All applicants must be referred to DHCD by the JRI Health staff.
Grants:
Up to 345 HOP subsidies are distributed by DHCD.
For further information:
Please contact the Bureau of Federal Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1150.