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Public Housing Programs

State-funded public housing is available for income-eligible individuals, families, older adults, and people with disabilities in more than 230 MA cities and towns. It is owned and managed by local housing authorities, but there is one shared application.

How to Apply

State-funded public housing serves people making 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Rents are limited to around 30% of income. 

This page is about state-funded public housing. Information is also linked below about federally-funded public housing. 

State-funded Public Housing

By filling out one application, either online or a paper copy, you can apply for an apartment managed by any Local Housing Authority (LHA).

Get started with state-funded public housing  CHAMP online application  

Additional Programs for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

While older adults and people with disabilities can apply for all public housing, there are a few specific programs also available to you. You do not apply for these opportunities in the CHAMP online application. Learn how to apply on the program pages.

Congregate Housing  Supportive Housing 

Information on Federally-Funded Public Housing

You apply for state-funded and federally-funded public housing separately. Federally-funded public housing is administered directly by your Local Housing Authority (without EOHLC support). You will need to contact them to apply.

Read about Federally Funded Public Housing   Federal Public Housing: Learn where to Apply  

Other housing search resources

Housing assistance for MA residents

Public housing with exterior paint in blue

Find housing, home repair, and home energy help programs available to homeowners, renters and landlords.

Learn More about Housing assistance for MA residents

Housing for people with disabilities

A wooden cutout of a house

Emergency housing assistance, affordable housing, tenant rights, and funding for home accessibility improvements.

Learn More about Housing for people with disabilities

Housing for older adults in Massachusetts

A multi-family complex in a neighborhood

Relevant for seniors (aged 60+), find tenants' rights, help with housing costs, and assisted living and affordable housing.

Learn More about Housing for older adults in Massachusetts

Public Housing Residents

LHA Annual Plans and Reports   Public Housing Tenant Survey Results   Public Housing Policies and Notices  

For LHA administrators, board members, and developers

Special initiatives in public housing   Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP) program   Public housing admin notices   Public housing modernization documentation   Resources for LHAs and board members   LHA mandatory board member training  

Online

HLC on Mass.gov
Have a specific question or problem? Housing.Help@mass.gov
Press Inquiries tara.smith@mass.gov

Phone

Main Office (617) 573-1100

Please listen for phone menu options for EOHLC divisions

TTY (617) 573-1140
Press Inquiries 617-921-2578

Tara Smith, press secretary

General Program Questions 2-1-1

Mass211 is available 24/7 to answer general questions about EOHLC housing or home energy programs. Translation available.

Address

Main Office
100 Cambridge St Suite 300 Boston, MA 02114
Directions

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