How to Get Help

Are you Experiencing Homelessness

Family Shelter Eligibility Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions about Shelter for Families with Children

When Families are Denied Shelter

General Info

Types of Shelter

State Funded Prevention Programs

Myth Vs. Reality

Overview of Individual Homelessness

Overview of Family Homelessness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Emergency Assistance Program?

If you are homeless and have nowhere to go-

Then you may be eligible for Emergency Assistance, Massachusetts’ emergency family shelter program. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the state’s welfare office, runs the Emergency Assistance program.

To receive Emergency Assistance, you must meet these criteria:

  • You have one or more children under the age of 21, or you are pregnant; and
  • You are a citizen, qualified immigrant, or refugee or at least one member of your household is a citizen, qualified immigrant, or refugee.

The Emergency Assistance program can:

  • Help you find new housing
  • Provide you with shelter until you find permanent housing

If you need shelter and you are eligible, DTA will make placements for:

  • You
  • Your children
  • The other parent of a child who is going into shelter with you

Note: DTA has the right to make separate placements if there is more than one adult in the family. This means that if you are part of a two-parent family, the other parent may not be placed with you and your child(ren).

  • In certain cases, DTA may allow your extended family members (such as your niece, grandson, or aunt) to stay in shelter with you.

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