Massachusetts individuals and families seeking emergency housing will find shelter programs and related services here. Families already living in shelter will also find related program information here.
- This page, Emergency Housing Assistance, is offered by
- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Emergency Housing Assistance
Shelter resources for individuals
Shelter resources for youth
People 24 and younger can find housing options and support services.
Shelter services for individuals over 18
To find out if a bed is available, contact the shelter directly. Shelters manage their own registration process.
Shelter for Families
Emergency family shelter for pregnant people and families with children under 21
Find out if you're eligible for the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter program and learn how to apply.
Resources for Families living in EA Family Shelter
For Families in the Rapid EA Family Shelter Track
The Rapid Shelter Track is for families who have strengths and needs that allow them to find self-sufficient permanent housing more quickly with high intensity support.
For Families in the Bridge EA Family Shelter Track
The Bridge Shelter Track is for families that have higher risks and more complex needs that take longer to resolve to find permanent housing.
Information and Data: Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter
The remainder of this page provides administration and legal information.
Below find links to program data, legislation, legal declarations and guidance, and the Special Commission.
General Information on the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter Program
DECLARATION—Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter
On Oct. 31, 2023, under 760 CMR 67.10, the Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities declared that the emergency assistance (EA) family shelter system is no longer able to meet all current and projected demand for shelter from families eligible for EA, considering the facts and circumstances existing in the Commonwealth. The Secretary has extended the Declaration to November 9, 2025.
EOHLC has issued guidance effective November 1, 2023, as most recently updated on July 11, 2025, to create a prioritization system and contact list for eligible families. The process will be in place while the Secretary’s Declaration is in effect. Learn more about the contact list for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter.
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Open PDF file, 214.02 KB, Declaration Emergency Assistance Family Shelter (English, PDF 214.02 KB)
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Open PDF file, 121.02 KB, Extension of Declaration Emergency Assistance Family Shelter (English, PDF 121.02 KB)
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Open PDF file, 208.82 KB, EA Guidance on Six Month Length of Stay (English, PDF 208.82 KB)
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Open PDF file, 286.27 KB, EA Guidance on Contact List and Prioritization Procedures (English, PDF 286.27 KB)
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Open PDF file, 293.69 KB, 760 CMR 67 (English, PDF 293.69 KB)
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Open PDF file, 188.2 KB, Temporary Respite Center Administrative Extensions (English, PDF 188.2 KB)
Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs
The Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs, pursuant to section 23 of chapter 88 of the acts of 2024, will “study and make recommendations on: (i) the sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the emergency housing assistance program; (ii) how to best support and ensure the long-term sufficiency of those seeking shelter; and (iii) creating a regional based response to support families in need of shelter.” Information about the Commission’s meetings will be made available here.
Notice of July 18, 2024 meeting (posted July 15, 4:30 pm)
Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Kickoff (July 18, 2024)
Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission July 18 Meeting Minutes
Notice of August 19, 2024 meeting (posted August 14, 4:00 pm)
Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (August 19, 2024)
Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission August 19 Meeting Minutes
Notice of September 16, 2024 meeting (posted September 11, 4:20 pm)
REVISED Notice of September 16, 2024 meeting (posted September 12, 12:30 pm)
Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (Septem
Notice of October 15, 2024 meeting (posted October 10, 12:30 pm)
Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission September 16 Meeting Minutes
Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (October 15, 2024)
Notice of Virtual Listening Session for Families - November 4, 2024 (posted October 31, 1:00pm)
Notice of November 12, 2024 meeting (posted November 6, 4:30 pm)
Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission October 15 Meeting Minutes
Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (November 12, 2024)
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