Housing 101
This training focuses primarily on types of federal and state subsidized
housing, eligibility criteria, preferences and the application process
for such housing. Attendees will gain an in depth understanding of the
Housing Choice Voucher Program (or Section 8), the Massachusetts Rental
Voucher Program, State and Federally funded Public Housing, and Project
Based subsidies.
Evictions, A Step By Step Guide to Advocating for Yourself During
the Eviction Process
During this training, advocates will learn advocacy tools for guiding
themselves or clients through the eviction process. Trainers review areas
such as: notices to quit; summary processes and complaints; discovery,
defense and answer; mediation and agreements to judgement; and what to
do during and after the trail. Defenses and counterclaims are also discussed.
Access to Shelter Training Overview
This training focuses primarily on access to Emergency Assistance shelter
for families and pregnant women. Trainers review eligibility criteria,
placements, obligations of the Department of Transitional Assistance to
families, and expectations of DTA for families. Self-sufficiency plans,
non-compliance citations, “good cause”, terminations, appeals,
and other areas also are covered.
Housing Matters, Improving Access to Low Income Housing
The Consolidated Plan is the political process to set local priorities
and distribute federal housing and community funds. The Public Housing
Authority Plan determines who gets federal housing resources, and affects
the lives of public housing residents and applicants.
These plans are a great opportunity for you to advocate for long-term
affordable housing for low-income people in your community.
The training will focus on:
- The Public Housing Authority and Consolidated planning processes.
- Opportunities for community involvement.
- Best practices and tools to assess the plans.
- Using the plans to address key housing issues and homeless prevention.
- Collaborative strategies for influencing your community’s plan.
For Information on when and where these trainings are being held,
contact the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless at (781) 595-7570.
