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Emergency Housing Assistance

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.

Shelter is a temporary place to stay as you search for your next place to live. Separate shelter services, described below, are available for individuals and for people with children (including pregnant people).  There are also resources for households at risk of foreclosure or eviction (like RAFT), looking for support services, and individuals experiencing domestic violence. 

Shelter resources for individuals

Shelter resources for youth

People 24 and younger can find housing options and support services.

List of young adult emergency housing options  Resources for youth experiencing homelessness 

Shelter services for individuals over 18

To find out if a bed is available, contact the shelter directly. Shelters manage their own registration process.

Use a lookup tool to find a shelter near you 

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.

What is Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter?   Apply for EA Family Shelter   Ask for free interpreters to help apply for EA Family Shelter 

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.

What is the Rapid Shelter Track?  Rapid Shelter Track: Rules 

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.

What is the Bridge Shelter Track?  Bridge Track: Length of Stay Policy   Bridge Track: Rules  Bridge Track: Re-Housing Process  

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

Program Data and Information

EA Family Shelter Program Data, Regulations and Resources   Ways to support families seeking shelter 
Open PDF file, 291.54 KB, for EA Family Shelter Policy FAQ (PDF 291.54 KB)

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.

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 Virtual Listening Session for Family Shelter Providers - October 9, 2024 (posted October 7, 2:30pm)

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 Community-Based Organizations and Advocates - October 25, 2024 (posted October 23, 11:00am)

Notice of Virtual Listening Session for Families Served by Temporary Respite Centers - October 29, 2024 (posted October 25, 12:00pm)

Notice of Virtual List

Notice of Virtual Listening Session for Municipalities - October 31, 2024 (posted October 29, 10:00am)

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)

Report of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs - DRAFT (posted November 11, 6:00pm)

Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission October 15 Meeting Minutes

Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (November 12, 2024)

Notice of November 19, 2024 meeting (posted November 14, 4:45 pm)

Report of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs - DRAFT 2 (posted November 15, 5:30pm)

Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission November 12 Meeting Minutes

Presentation: Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission Meeting (November 19, 2024)

Emergency Assistance (EA) Commission November 19 Meeting Minutes

Final Report of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (posted November 21, 7:00pm)

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