Learn how to apply for shelter if you are pregnant or have children under 21 years old.
- This page, Review Eligibility & Apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter , is offered by
- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Review Eligibility & Apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter
Contacts
Massachusetts Emergency Family Shelter Contact Line
Phone
Open M-F 8am-5pm - Closed on State Holidays
The Details
Eligibility
You can apply if:
- You're a resident of Massachusetts
- Your family’s gross income* is at or below 115% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
- You're pregnant or have a child under 21
and if the reason you need shelter is one of the following:
- No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation, or foreclosure
- At risk of domestic violence
- No-fault eviction
- Your children are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk
A family may include parents or guardians, spouses, siblings, stepparents, stepsiblings, or half-siblings.
EA Eligibility Flyer
This flyer is to help you and your family understand full eligibility, the documents you are required to submit, and length of stay requirements.
English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole | Cape Verdean Creole
*What counts as "gross income"?
Gross income can include wages, gifts, alimony, child support, and government payments such as Social Security, TAFDC, SSI and SSDI.
Some types of income that are not counted, such as food stamps (SNAP) and some kinds of education grants, loans and scholarships. This is not a complete list of the types of income that are counted and not counted. For a more complete list see 760 CMR 67 and 106 CMR 704.
What documents do I need before I apply for EA Family Shelter?
What we need before we can offer you shelter:
- Proof of identity (examples: state issued driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport)
- Proof of family relationship. We need to be able to confirm that you & your children are all part of one family (examples: birth certificate, custody paperwork).
- MA Residency Documents are required. Each family member 18 years old or older must prove they are residents of Massachusetts who intend to remain in the state. You must give us documents for all adults 18 or older to prove this. One document may apply to many family members. (examples: MassHealth registration, voter or school registration, any Mass. ID)
- This guide gives more examples of documents you can use to verify Massachusetts residency.
English | (additional languages coming soon)
- This guide gives more examples of documents you can use to verify Massachusetts residency.
- Citizenship or Immigration Documents. Your family must give us documents to show you have a qualifying immigration status. Each member of your family must have a lawful immigration status. If your child has eligible immigration status, that satisfies the requirement for the family. (Examples: U.S. issued passport, green card, documentation that the United States is aware of the person’s presence and is not trying to make the person leave the country right away).
- Documents for Cause of Homelessness. We can only help families who are homeless for certain reasons and who do not have a safe place to stay (examples: eviction paperwork, documentation showing an inability to stay in your current home due to health, safety, or other reasons).
- Financial Information - Assets & Income. We can only help families who are below our income and asset limits. (examples: pay stubs, bank statements)
- Consent to a Criminal Background Check. All family members 18 years of age or older must get a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. To do so, all family members 18 years of age or older must sign a CORI acknowledgment form. We will need to verify your identity before this form is signed.
Learn more about CORIs.
Can families be eligible for EA if they are missing documents?
In rare cases, families may be placed into shelter before providing some documents. Waivers (Temporary Verification Waivers) will only be granted to prioritized families on a case-by-case basis. Families with a waiver will have up to 30 days to provide documents or they will be denied.
Who should I talk to if I have questions?
If you are not sure if you have the right kind of documentation, please ask your Homeless Coordinator for more information about what documents we accept. A Homeless Coordinator is the person from the state who helps you apply to EA.
Recommended: Having an email address is the easiest way for EOHLC staff to contact you. Making an email address is free and simple. There are many services you can use, such as Gmail (Google) and Outlook (Microsoft).
How to apply
The simplest way to apply to the EA Emergency Family Shelter is to apply online. You can do this by visiting the Massachusetts Housing Help Hub, registering with your email address to create an account, and starting an application.
Applying online has many benefits. You can…
- Apply using your mobile device or online
- Upload your documents directly with your application
- Track your application status after submission
To start a new application, visit the Housing Help Hub and begin your application today. You can apply online at any time. Applications will be processed during regular business hours.
- Call (866) 584-0653 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A call center representative will record your contact information and refer you to a Homeless Coordinator if you want to apply.
- The Homeless Coordinator will help you complete your application and see if you are eligible.
You can also apply by visiting one of our offices (see schedules below in the "In person" section). Offices and phone line are closed on weekends and state holidays.
- Go to one of our offices. The list below shows which day(s) each office is open. On days when offices are open, they operate from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. All offices are closed on weekends and state holidays.
- At the office, you'll meet with a Homeless Coordinator. You should bring documents proving your identity and the relationship between your family members.
- The Homeless Coordinator will help you complete your application and assess your eligibility.
Office locations and days of operation:
- Boston (Open Monday through Friday) – 2201 Washington St, Roxbury, MA 02119
- Brockton (Open Monday through Friday) – 60 Main St, Brockton, MA 02301
- Chelsea (Open Monday through Friday) – 80 Everett Ave, 3rd floor , Chelsea, MA 02150
- Hyannis (Open Tuesday) – 181 North St, Hyannis, MA 02601
- Lawrence (Open Monday through Friday) – 280 Merrimack St, Lawrence, MA 01843
- Lowell (Open Tuesday and Thursday) – 131 Davidson St, Lowell, MA 01852
- New Bedford (Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday) – 16 Kilburn Street, New Bedford, MA 02744
- Salem (Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday) – 45 Congress Street, Suite 4120, Salem, MA 01970
- Springfield (Open Monday through Friday) – 243 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104
- Worcester (Open Monday through Friday) – 50 Southwest Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01604
Next steps
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What is a Criminal Offender Record Information check?
A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) is a person’s criminal record. It is a background check that looks to see if you have a criminal history or pending criminal charges in Massachusetts. Criminal records are collected and managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). EOHLC requires participants and applicants of the EA Family Shelter Program who are 18 years of age or older to sign a CORI Acknowledgement Form. An EOHLC employee or person authorized by EOHLC will conduct a CORI check for you and every member of your family 18 years of age or older. By permitting us to access your CORI, you agree to allow EOHLC employees and authorized persons to see your Massachusetts criminal record history.
Why do families need to get CORI checks?
A new law requires CORI checks. We want EA Family Shelter to be safe for families. A CORI Check and sharing your criminal history keeps families in shelter safe.
Who must get a CORI check?
All family members 18 years of age or older must get a CORI check to be eligible for EA. This applies to the families who are:
- applying to EA Family Shelter;
- on the contact list for EA Family Shelter; and
- currently in EA Family Shelter.
What do I need to do for a CORI check?
The first step is signing a CORI Acknowledgement Form. To sign the CORI Acknowledgment Form, you must:
- Give your name, date of birth, and (if available) the last 6 digits of your Social Security Number (if available), among other information that is optional.
- Give proof of your identity. This means have your identity verified by your provider, HLC staff, or notary public by showing a photograph identification.
- Sign and date the form.
What can I use as identification for the CORI check?
We will accept a form of government-issued identification. This includes, for example:
- A passport issued by any country;
- A government-issued identification card with a photograph, such as a driver's license;
- A United States permanent residency card;
- A United States military identification card;
- Native American Tribal documents; and
- Other forms of documents as allowed by DCJIS.
If you are not sure you have the right kind of documentation, please ask your homeless coordinator for more information about what documents we accept. A homeless coordinator is a person who works for the state who helps you apply for EA.
What happens if I refuse or cannot get a CORI check?
- All family members 18 years or older must get a CORI check to be eligible for EA Shelter. If you do not allow us to check your CORI, you will be denied EA Shelter.
- Under the Uniform Shelter Rules, the failure of any family member 18 years of age or older to sign the CORI Acknowledgement Form once in EA shelter will warrant termination.
What if I have a criminal record or pending criminal charge?
Some crimes will make a person ineligible for the EA program. They may be denied shelter. In some situations, the person may be allowed in shelter, but restricted in where they are placed.
What crimes make me ineligible for shelter?
An adult 18 years of age or older is not eligible for EA Family Shelter if they have been convicted or charged with certain crimes in any jurisdiction (including outside of Massachusetts). These crimes include:
- First or second degree murder;
- Voluntary manslaughter;
- Felonies involving child pornography, sex offenses, human trafficking, or failure to register by a sex offender;
- Felonies involving rape or sexual assault;
- Arson;
- Kidnapping;
- Felonies or misdemeanors involving firearms within the previous six years; and
- Felony drug trafficking within the previous three years.
*Crimes that are similar to the ones listed also make you ineligible. This includes attempts or conspiracies to commit those crimes.
What crimes MAY make me ineligible for shelter?
There are certain crimes that will make an adult 18 years of age or older ineligible for shelter, but they have the chance to show mitigating circumstances. If EOHLC determines there were mitigating circumstances or if the conviction or charge is older than 3 years, the crimes listed below will not make them ineligible for shelter:
- Involuntary manslaughter;
- Felonies involving spousal or elder abuse;
- Felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury;
- Felonies involving violence against children;
- Armed or unarmed robbery; and
- Felony burglary or breaking and entering.
*Crimes that are similar to the ones listed also may make you ineligible. This includes attempts or conspiracies to commit those crimes.
What are mitigating circumstances?
“Mitigating circumstances” explain to EOHLC that there are reasons why the conviction or pending charge should not make you ineligible for EA shelter. EOHLC will only consider whether there are mitigating circumstances if you submit documents for us to review.
Below are the types of documents you may submit for us to review:
- a document from a qualified mental health professional saying that the person does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to others in the EA Family Shelter Program;
- a document from a criminal justice official, including a probation or parole officer, saying that the person does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to others in the EA Family Shelter Program;
- a document from another qualified individual saying that the person does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to others in the EA Family Shelter Program; or
- a document showing the charge was continued without a finding.
Once we receive this information, EOHLC will determine if the adult may be placed into shelter. Please talk to your Homeless Coordinator if you are unsure if certain documents you have are “mitigating circumstances.”
What if I have other convictions or pending criminal charges?
A criminal conviction within the last 10 years or a pending charge not listed above may be considered in placement and oversight decisions.
How will I know if my eligibility for EA Shelter is impacted by a CORI?
Before EOHLC takes action because of a criminal conviction or pending criminal charge, we will tell you first and give you :
- A Notice of Adverse Action (the document that tells you we are taking action);
- A copy of your CORI record; and
- Information Concerning the Process in Correcting a Criminal Record from the DCJIS.
What happens if I have an outstanding warrant?
If your CORI check reveals an outstanding warrant in Massachusetts, you will have 5 business days to resolve the warrant. If you do not resolve the warrant, you and your family will not be eligible for EA Family Shelter. M.G.L. ch. 23B, § 30; 760 CMR 67.02(11).
Where can I find more information?
Please reference the EA CORI Policy for more information.
English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole | Cape Verdean Creole
Please also reference the Family Criminal Background Check (CORI) Info Flyer
English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole | Cape Verdean Creole
Make sure you provide all your documentation
- In person at one of the locations above.
- Online using the Self-Service Document Upload Tool. You will need your ETO Case Number or Application Number and your last name. Below are instructions on how to upload documents:
When you apply (once you have an ETO Case Number), you can submit the required documents for your EA Family Shelter application using a Self-Service Document Upload Tool. Below are instructions on how to upload documents:
You may be placed on the EA Contact List
EA Family Shelter Contact List and Prioritization
The state is not able to expand shelter capacity. Due to this, the family shelter system may not have enough space to shelter every eligible family. Families are placed on the Rapid Shelter Tracker (30 business day stay) or the Bridge Shelter Track (6 months stay). Both tracks may not have spaces for eligible families. When there is not a space, families will be given options for what their next step might be, including joining the EA Family Shelter Contact List.
How does the EA Family Shelter Contact List work?
- The Contact List is the order we contact families for placement in EA Family Shelter.
You may be eligible for HomeBASE
Families who have provided all required documentation and are fully eligible for EA Emergency Family Shelter are eligible for HomeBASE, even if they are not in a shelter yet. Families who are living in Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter are also eligible for HomeBASE.
After meeting with our staff, you will be referred to HomeBASE and someone from the program will contact you within 24 hours (except if you visit our office on a Friday).HomeBASE can help pay for:
- First and last month's rent, security deposit, and broker’s fee for a new apartment
- Monthly payments to help with rent for up to three years
- Furniture, moving expenses, and utilities, based on families’ needs
- Overdue rent and/or utility payments
You may be eligible for Re-Ticketing
Your family may have the option to stay with friends or family in other states outside of Massachusetts. Re-ticketing helps cover travel costs (plane tickets, bus tickets, or other related travel expenses) so your family can get to that state immediately.
After you're given a place in a family shelter
Required Activities when Living in EA Family Shelter
The program’s goal is to help families living in shelter to stabilize and to find permanent housing. In order to achieve this goal, families living in shelter are required to develop and participate in activities outline in their rehousing plan.
Emergency Family Shelter Rules
To make sure that shelters are safe for everyone, families living in shelter must follow shelter rules, including:
- Arriving by curfew
- Spending every night at the shelter unless permission is granted
- Only having guests at times and in ways outlined in the rules
- No pets (except for service animals or other animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act)
- No alcohol or illegal drugs.
Rapid Track: The full Rapid Track Shelter rules can be found here.
Bridge Track: The rules for the Bridge Track are available on the Bridge Track Rules page.
Income requirements
Family Size 115% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
Gross monthly income must be at or below numbers listed below:1 $1,500 2 $2,027 3 $2,554 4 $3,081 5 $3,608 6 $4,135 7 $4,662 8 $5,189 Per Additional Person $527 Contact
Address
Offices across the state - Please see list on 'Apply for EA' webpage, Statewide, MA 02114Phone
Open M-F 8am-5pm - Closed on State Holidays
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