Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter | Mass.gov

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On this page, you can learn about the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter program. Families already living in shelter will also find related program information here.

Learn and Apply

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 EA Family Shelter?

Learn More about What is EA Family Shelter?

Apply for EA Family Shelter and HomeBASE

Learn More about Apply for EA Family Shelter and HomeBASE

Need translation help to apply?

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Other Tools for EA Eligible Families

There are additional programs available for EA Family Shelter eligible families.

HomeBASE: Support for housing expenses for EA eligible families Re-ticketing: We can help you travel to a safe place to stay Housing Help Hub: Application and Doc Portal

Program Admin Information

Program Information

EA Family Shelter program data, regulations and resources EA Family Shelter Policy FAQ Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs - 2024

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 (HLC) 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 July 3, 2026.

HLC has issued guidance effective November 1, 2023, as most recently updated on December 30, 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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If you need assistance, please call (866) 584-0653, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, except on state holidays or for general questions call Housing Resource Line, serviced by Mass 211 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-877-211-6277..

Please let us know how we can improve this page.

Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You will NOT get a response.

If you need assistance, please call (866) 584-0653, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, except on state holidays or for general questions call Housing Resource Line, serviced by Mass 211 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-877-211-6277..