Housing Assistance for Massachusetts Residents

This page provides an overview of the housing, home repair and home energy help programs available to homeowners, renters and landlords.

I need shelter or immediate help to stay in my home

RAFT

I need short term help paying my mortgage, rent or utilities. 

Learn about the RAFT program.

Individual + Family Shelter

I need emergency shelter.  

Learn about emergency housing assistance programs.

Eviction Guide

I am being evicted and need help. 

Read the Tenants' Guide to Eviction.

I need help finding an affordable home to rent or own

Homeownership

I want to buy an affordable home.  

Learn about products that make buying a home more affordable.

Public Housing, Vouchers, Income Restricted

I want to rent an affordable apartment.  

Learn about Vouchers, Public Housing and Private Income-Restricted affordable housing.

Housing Resources for People with Disabilities   Housing Resources for Older Adults   Rental Toolkit for Tenants and Landlords  

I need help paying for home heating or utilities

HEAP

Help with heating bills.  

Learn about HEAP, a free resource to help households pay a portion of winter heating bills.

RAFT

Emergency utility help  

The RAFT program can provide emergency help with gas, electricity, water, and deliverable fuel such as propane or oil.

I am a landlord or homeowner looking for resources

A Landlord's Guide to MA Housing Assistance Programs  

Understand how various programs like RAFT, HomeBASE and housing vouchers work from a landlord's point of view.

Accessory Dwelling Units  

Learn how to add a new rental apartment in your home or on your property.

Rental Toolkit for Landlords and Tenants  

Learn about landlord rights and responsibilities, find information on eviction and more.

WAP

Help to weatherize your home  

Learn about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Help with home improvement, lead abatement, septic repair and refinancing.  

Learn about loan products for homeowners.

Help with heating system repair and replacement.  

Learn about the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program.

Help modifying your home for a disability  

Learn about the Home Modification Loan Program.

You can also reach out to your City or Town’s Community Development office to ask if they have an active CDBG-funded home rehab program. 

Help Navigating Our Programs

Searching for a specific program?

• Use our EOHLC Services and Program Search Tool 

Have general questions on our programs and which ones might work for you? 

Call the EOHLC Housing Resources Hotline, serviced by Mass 2-1-1.

• Dial 2-1-1 or call 877-211-6277 -
• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Translation available.

For specific questions and problems, see our contact section below.

Other helpful resources 

Learn where to apply: Use the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities' Resource Locator Tool

• EOHLC works with partners to deliver most of our resources and programs. Use this tool to find out where you can apply for EOHLC programs in your community.

Housing Consumer Education Centers

• Housing Consumer Education Centers help answer questions about all types of housing problems. Tenants, landlords, prospective buyers, and homeowners can access information designed to maximize housing stability, strengthen investments, and minimize disputes.

? Community Action Agencies: Local housing and budget support, and general case management to get support in finding the right set of services