Home Modification Program Loan Resources

Below you will find Home Modification Loan Program resources from MRC as well as other external organizations.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Home Modification Resources

Vocational Rehabilitation Program 
The Rehabilitation Technology Department’s Adaptive Housing Program at MRC serves consumers with disabilities who are pursuing vocational/employment goals with needs for home modification. For more information, contact: Eugene Blumkin (617)-204-3721 or [e-mail].

Independent Living Center: Title VII Part B 
In Massachusetts, federal money from Title VII Part B funding is made available to many of the Independent Living Centers (ILC) in Massachusetts for the purchase of equipment and services to assist people to maintain or achieve independence. For more information, please contact a regional ILC or contact MRC at (617)-204-3628.

The American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law to boost the U.S. economic recovery from COVID-19. The ARPA funds will support Home and Community Life initiatives. We are committed to assisting those who receive resources through MRC programs by offering the following programs: Improving Mobility Access (Wheelchair Ramps), Increased Access to Assistive Technology (AT), Adaptive Vehicle and Housing Modifications, Expansion of Assistive Technology Training and Support, and Specialized Transition Supports​. For more information, please contact your MRC program coordinator or call MRC directly at [phone].

Home Modification Loan Program 
The Home Modification Loan Program provides low- and no-interest loans to modify the homes of elders, adults and children with disabilities.  Such home modifications allow individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes and live independently in their communities.  Any homeowner who has a disability or has a household member who has a disability, or rents to an individual with a disability may apply for this loan. For more information, contact: Susan Gillam at 1-866-500-5599 or via email at [e-mail].

The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) 
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) provides low-interest loans to qualified people with disabilities and their families to purchase assistive technology devices and services that will help them lead more independent lives. If you are not financially eligible for home modifications under the HMLP, you may be able to apply to the ATLP. For more information, contact: Leonidas Tonevski at 1-800-244-2756 ext.428 or 431 TTY 1-800-564-9700.

Additional State Agencies with Home Modification Resources

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) 
Individuals eligible for services for the Department of Developmental Services may be eligible to receive adaptive housing services through the Family Support Program. For more information contact your regional DDS office.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) 
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund was established by legislation in 2000 to help families bear the excessive financial burdens associated with the care of children with special health care needs and disabilities. For more information, call Division for Special Health Needs Community Support Line at 1-800-882-1435.

Mass Housing, Home Improvement Loan Program 
Mass Housing is the state's affordable housing bank. They lend money at rates below the conventional market to support affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Massachusetts. The Home Improvement Loan Program provides funds to make general, non-luxury improvements to your property, which include necessary home modifications.  

Regional Organizations with Home Modification Resources

Rebuilding Together 
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization, using community resources and volunteers to provide free home modifications and repairs for elders and individuals with disabilities. The following communities in Massachusetts have local Rebuilding Together chapters:

• Boston: 617-971-0058
• Worcester: 413-283-6709
• Haverhill: 978-469-0800

Federal Agencies with Home Modification Resources

U.S. Housing and Urban Development; Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) 
The Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant Program is a federally funded program designed to help small cities and towns meet a broad range of community development initiatives.  Some communities may chose to use these funds for home modifications or home repairs. Visit https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts to see if your community receives CDBG funding or contact your city/town’s Housing or Community Development Office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development; Home Improvement Loans and Grants 
Low income rural homeowners may receive funds to make substantial home repairs, or to remove health and safety hazards.  The Home Repair Program also provides funds to make a home accessible to someone with disabilities.  Homeowners 62 years and older are eligible for grants, other low income families and individuals may receive loans at a 1% interest rate.  Contact the state office at 413-253-4300 a regional office: Western MA 413-585-1000 ext. 4., Central MA and the North Shore 508-829-4477 ext. 4., Southeastern MA, Cape and Islands 508-295-5151.

Executive Office of Veteran's Affairs 
Veterans with service disabilities can receive funds to modify their homes.  The Specially Adapted Housing Program allows veterans with a service related disability to receive a grant of not more than 50% of cost of specially adapted housing unit or to a max of $60,000. The funds may be used to build, buy or modify a home. For more information call 800-827-1000.

Homes for Our Troops 
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan, 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004.  The organization assists severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and then coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for accessibility. For more information call (toll free) 1-866-7-TROOPS 

Additional Resources

Muscular Dystrophy Association

• Greater Boston - Boston [phone]
• Central Mass. - Westboro [phone]
• Northeast - Beverly [phone]

Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter

[phone]

Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England             

[phone]

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

• UCP of the Berkshires
• Pittsfield [phone]
• North Adams [phone]
• UCP of Metro Boston 
• Watertown (617)-926-5480

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association of MA 

781-255-8884 or 888-287-3257

American Heart and Stroke Association

781-373-4500 

American Parkinson’s Disease Association

617-638-8466

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

508-475-0032 or 800-242-0030

Federation for Children with Special Needs

[phone] or 800-331-0688

NE Index, Information on Disabilities Exchange
Search for contractors and many other providers of services to people with disabilities. For a list of home modification contractors click on " Search for a Program or a Service" go to "Browse by selecting a program type" and select "home modification." Please note that NE Index, MRC or Providers of the Home Modification Loan Program cannot recommend contractors. The NE Index can be used as a resource similar to the Yellow Pages.

Massachusetts Consumer Affairs
Check the record of a contractor, file a complaint and get advice on resolving a consumer problem. This site also has information on Home Improvement. 

National Consumer Law Center
Basic information for consumers on the most critical consumer issues.

AT Loan Program
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program, operated by Easter Seals Massachusetts, is an alternative financing project that gives people with disabilities and elders access to low interest cash loans to purchase assistive devices and services. The program has many options that can help - even for people who don't think they would qualify for a loan.

Adaptive Environments: Human Centered Design Phone: [phone] Adaptive Environments provides consultation services about accessibility and universal design in a wide range of built environments including but not limited to public buildings, schools, offices, urban design, transportation, healthcare settings, public space, cultural facilities and a wide range of residential design. Services range from analysis of existing conditions and strategic planning to working collaboratively on design teams for both new construction and renovation. They specialize in clarifying legal and code requirements for accessibility but also on recommending best practices from a universal design perspective, drawing on an extensive knowledge of international design solutions.

The Accessible Housing Registry
Finding accessible rental housing: Mass Access is a free program that matches people with disabilities with vacant, accessible apartments. Contact CHAPA at [phone] or [phone]. V/TTY [phone].