Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Every contribution makes a difference. Massachusetts Youth Count The Massachusetts Youth Count is a survey that gathers data on the needs and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The survey currently is administered every other spring. The Youth Count data informed the creation of the state's plan to end youth homelessness and continues to shape advocacy efforts and the development of targeted programs to provide stable housing and support services for young people. Massachusetts Youth Count 2026 The Massachusetts Youth Count is a biennial survey sponsored by the Massachusetts Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission to learn about the scope, needs, and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness on their own, without their parents or guardians. The Youth Count partners with youth, young adults, providers serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, Continua of Care, and other community partners to conduct the survey. The Youth Count provides opportunities for young people to utilize their leadership skills in planning and administering the count, and for participants to connect to resources and services. The insights and data gathered from the survey process are used to influence advocacy and programming to address youth and young adult homelessness. Massachusetts Youth Count 2026 will be conducted this spring. If you are under the age of 25 and are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness, you can take the Youth Count survey between Wednesday, April 1st and Thursday, April 30th. Learn more by checking out the Youth Count 2026 flyer (PDF). The data from the 2024 Massachusetts Youth Count is available now at the link above. Your insights and experiences matter, and we can't wait to continue this important work with you! Download Download More about the Massachusetts Youth Count The Massachusetts Youth Count is a biennial survey conducted by the Massachusetts Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission (UHYC) to understand the needs and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Commission partners with young people, service providers, and community organizations to conduct the survey, offering leadership opportunities and connecting participants to resources. The data collected informs advocacy and programming to address youth homelessness. The 2026 Youth Count will launch on Wednesday, April 1st and will run until Thursday, April 30th. Learn more here . Learn More About the Commission and Youth Count Take action with MCH Today!

Help end and prevent family homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless as we take action to ensure everyone has a place to call home. Protect Access to Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Learn more about our advocacy to protect and improve the Commonwealth's Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program, a state-funded program that provides emergency shelter, rehousing supports, and other resources to eligible families with children under the age of 21 and/or a pregnant household member #HousingisaHumanRight #EndHomelessnessMA Join Us to Protect Families’ Access to Shelter Since November 2023, Governor Healey and the Legislature have taken steps to reduce access to shelter for children and families experiencing homelessness, moving away from the state's 40-year history of honoring the right to shelter for families. Take action with us to restore the right to shelter and improve access to upstream homelessness prevention resources and long-term deeply affordable housing. Take Action Today! Recent and Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities: Join us in person and online for more actions to protect the right to shelter: Upcoming Actions: Check back soon or join our mailing list by clicking here Recent Actions: Wednesday, February 12th: Please join us in asking State Senators to swiftly provide supplemental funding for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and to adopt key budget amendments on access to Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and temporary respite centers. Learn more about key Senate amendments here: https://tinyurl.com/senate-ea-supp Call-in day to State Senators, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Visibility action at the State House, 10:30–11:30 a.m. We will meet in front of the Senate Chamber on the 3rd Floor. RSVP to let us know you can join us: https://tinyurl.com/ea-event-rsvp Thursday, February 6th: Visibility action at the State House 10:30–11:30 a.m. to call on the Legislature to swiftly provide needed supplemental funding for shelter and services for children and parents experiencing homelessness and to reject the Governor's proposals to further limit access to Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter. We also will be asking Representatives to cosponsor and actively support key supplemental budget amendments, which are scheduled to be voted on that day. Learn more about key House amendments here: https://tinyurl.com/house-ea-supp Monday, February 3rd–Thursday, February 6th: Call-in days to state legislators, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day, asking them to swiftly provide supplemental funding for Emergency Assistance shelter and to reject the Governor's proposals to further limit access to EA. Call script and details: https://www.mahomeless.org/_files/ugd/6c63ec_e38e87e26977473cb9f80dddb5ff46bd.pdf Thursday, January 16th: "The People's State of the Commonwealth: Spotlight on Family Homelessness" action: 12:00–1:00 p.m. in front of the Massachusetts State House Call-in day to legislators: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Call script and more details Tuesday, November 12th: Monitoring the next meeting of the state's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs, 10:00–11:30 a.m. at the Massachusetts State House in Room 157 or on Zoom: Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Tuesday, October 15th: Monitoring action: 1:00–2:30 p.m. in Room 157 of the State House (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Visibility action: We will start the hour in front of Governor Healey's office on the third floor and end the hour with a procession past key rooms on that floor, including the House Chamber, Senate Chamber, office of the Senate President, and office of the House Speaker. Monday, September 16th: Rally: 4:30–5:30 p.m. on the Boston Common at the Embrace Memorial and the 1965 Freedom Plaza Guest speakers will include Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Reverend Mariama White-Hammond of New Roots AME Church, Dorchester. Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CP2ho4SY5RmZjy6V9 Monitoring action: 1:00–2:30 p.m. in Room 157 of the State House (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Thursday, September 5th: State House action, 12:30–1:30 p.m. We will start the hour in front of Governor Healey's office on the third floor and end the hour with a procession past key rooms on that floor, including the House Chamber, Senate Chamber, office of the Senate President, and office of the House Speaker. Tuesday, August 20th: Virtual action hour online, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Monday, August 19th: Visibility action : 12:00–1:00 p.m. in front of the McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 before the next convening of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Monitoring action : 1:00–2:30 p.m. inside the McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02108 (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Wednesday, August 14th: Candlelight vigil in front of the State House, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Learn more about the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program Emergency Assistance (EA) program information from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Emergency Assistance biweekly reports and other data from EOHLC Family homelessness, Emergency Assistance, and overflow shelters in the news November 2024 recommendations from the Coalition to the state's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs November 2023 recommendations from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, and the Moving Beyond the Emergency Working Group to the Administration and Legislature Are you an advocate, case manager, or social worker interested in learning more about the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program? Click here to access the comprehensive guide on Emergency Shelter and Rehousing Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts. View Advocacy Guide Take action with MCH Today!

Explore the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless's guidance on accessing homelessness prevention, benefits and housing stabilization resources. Find advice on where to seek support and services across Massachusetts. Get Help Navigate this page to find assistance accessing housing, shelters, benefits, and homelessness prevention resources in Massachusetts. Learn More The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program offers financial aid for housing crises like eviction, foreclosure, moving costs, and utility loss. The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program Learn More The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. Home Energy Assistance Programs Learn More Aims to close the digital divide by ensuring that all residents have access to high-speed internet, digital devices, and the necessary skills for the digital age. Digital Equity Program Learn More Provides cash assistance, food stamps, job training and access to medical care for low-income families with children. Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Learn More A state-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are elderly, disabled, or caring for a child who is not their own. Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) Financial and Energy Resources Find Housing Today through the Housing Navigator Massachusetts Housing Navigator Massachusetts provides an online platform that aggregates listings of affordable rental properties across the state. The tool is designed to simplify the search process for tenants and housing counselors, making it easier to find suitable housing options. The platform includes listings from various housing providers, including public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and private landlords who offer affordable units. It provides detailed information about each property, such as eligibility requirements, amenities, and contact information. SEARCH AVAILABILTY SEARCH AVAILABILTY Learn More Is a state-funded initiative designed to provide immediate and temporary shelter to homeless families in Massachusetts. Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program Learn More A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Re-housing Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide Learn More Housing assistance and support services for individuals under 25 Emergency Housing Resources for Young Adults Learn More Temporary shelter in various locations, including hotels, motels, and dedicated family shelters. Apply by contacting a local DTA office. MA Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Directory Learn More This act ensures homeless children and youth have equal educational access and stability, regardless of their housing status. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Learn More Is dedicated to providing support and housing solutions to veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. New England Center and Home for Veterans Learn More These shelters provide temporary housing and various support services for individuals without children experiencing homelessness Emergency Shelters for Individuals Emergency Shelter Resources Learn More Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant during move-in, throughout your tenancy, and when moving out. Tenant Rights Learn More For information on eviction procedures, such as receiving a Notice to Quit, representing yourself in court, or stopping an eviction, please seek further assistance or guidance. Evictions Learn More Learn about security deposits, including what landlords are allowed to charge and how to get your deposit back. Security Deposits Learn More An overview of laws that specifically apply to mobile homes, rooming houses, and condos in Massachusetts. Tenant's Rights in Rooming Houses, Mobile Homes, and Condos Learn More Homeowners undergoing foreclosure and tenants living in properties being foreclosed upon. Foreclosures Learn More Learn the basics about rent laws for private housing, state and federal public housing, and subsidized housing. Understanding Rent Learn More Addressing issues with your landlord and documenting any health or safety concerns in your residence. Repairs and Bad Housing Conditions Learn More Navigating the Massachusetts court system, initiating a lawsuit against your landlord, and representing yourself in legal proceedings. Taking your Landlord to Court Tenant Rights and Resources Learn More Provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase nutritious food. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Learn More Provides low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care services. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Learn More Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is a confidential and toll-free hotline designed to connect Massachusetts residents with food resources and assistance. Project Bread's Food Source Hotline Food Assistance Programs Learn More MassHealth offers comprehensive health coverage for children and young adults, including preventive care, dental, behavioral health, and more. Learn about eligibility and how to apply MassHealth Resources for Children and Young Adults Learn More For individuals recently released from jail or prison, MassHealth provides additional support through the Community Support Program for Justice-Involved (CSP-JI) members. Community Support Program for Justice-Involved (CSP-JI) members. MassHealth Resources Learn More Learn about the different forms of housing discrimination and protections under Massachusetts law. Housing Discrimination Learn More Learn about the different kinds of discrimination that can happen in the workplace and how you are protected under Massachusetts law. Employment Discrimination Learn More Businesses open to the public cannot deny people access or treat people differently based on their membership in a protected class. Discrimination in Public Places Learn More Regardless of your housing status, you are still eligible to vote. You can register to vote or update your voter registration information at DTA at any time. Your Right to Vote Regardless of Housing Status Anti-Discrimination Laws Learn More Massachusetts public housing provides affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families. Understanding Public Housing Learn More Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities works with the following Local Housing Authorities in Massachusetts Local Housing Authority Contact Listing Learn More Housing assistance programs offer financial help, mainly through vouchers, to support low-income families and individuals in renting apartments outside of public housing. Housing Vouchers Learn More Use the CHAMP form (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs) to apply for state-aided subsidized housing. Applying for Public Housing Learn More These programs are designed to ensure that individuals and families have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. Affordable Housing Programs Learn More Offering on-site services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in designated public and private subsidized housing. Supportive Housing Learn More As a landlord or property manager, you have a role in your tenants’ applications for rental assistance programs, such as RAFT and housing vouchers (such as Section 8 and MRVP). Housing Assistance Programs for Landlords Public, Subsidized and Housing Assistance Programs Learn More Provides free and confidential support and information about substance use treatment and recovery services. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline Learn More If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Veteran Resource Centers Learn More The Department of Mental Health ensures and facilitates access to necessary services and support for individuals of all ages, helping them live, work, and engage within their communities. Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Health Learn More Services designed to support the individual, familial, and social needs of survivors of domestic violence, their children, and/or their other dependents. Domestic and Sexual Violence Resources Learn More Learn more about the Tenancy Preservation Program, a homelessness prevention program that helps find solutions to disability-related issues. Tenancy Preservation Progam Learn More As a partner of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R) can provide you with resources for accessing child care services Child Care Resources Addiction, Mental Health and Child Care Support Services Learn More MassHealth provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, including families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities Masshealth Learn More An initiative to address food insecurity, housing instability, and homelessness, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs by partnering with community-based social service organizations. Massachusetts Flexible Services Program Learn More Community health centers provide primary, preventive and dental care, as well as mental health, substance use disorder and other community-based services to anyone in need regardless of their insurance status Community Health Centers Learn More Find a VA location or in-network community care provider. For same-day care for minor illnesses or injuries, select Urgent care for facility type. Veteran Affairs Hospital Healthcare and Community Health Centers Learn More Offers services including housing search assistance, workshops on eviction prevention, and budget support among other resources. Metro Housing Boston Learn More Provides financial education, housing support, and information for both tenants and property owners. There are multiple locations: North Shore, Cape Ann, & Merrimack Valley Community Teamwork Learn More Serves as a resource for foreclosure prevention, financial coaching, and RAFT program applications. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions Learn More Specializes in homeownership support, landlord and tenant mediation, and financial capability training RCAP Solutions Learn More Offers a variety of services including information and referral, individual counseling, homelessness prevention programs, workshops, and seminars. South Middlesex Opportunity Council Learn More Finding Affordable Housing Solutions for all People across the Communities of Berkshire County Hearthway Learn More Housing support, financial literacy, rental assistance, homelessness prevention. Way Finders Learn More Housing counseling, rental and homeowner assistance, development services. Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority Learn More Rental housing management, homeowner education, affordable housing advocacy. Housing Nantucket Learn More Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, providing a variety of housing-related services. Housing Assistance Corporation Housing Support and Education Services Your Guide to Area Median Income and Housing and Benefits Eligibility In Massachusetts benefit programs and housing assistance are based on Area Median Income (AMI). Understanding AMI is crucial because it determines eligibility for various programs and housing options, particularly those aimed at low- and moderate-income families. Programs often categorize income levels as a percentage of the AMI, such as 30%, 50%, 60%, 80%, or 120%. Double check your eligibility for assistance based off of your income by clicking the button below. Verify My Income TAKE ACTION WITH US Learn More Please check the individual furniture bank’s website for more details and information on how to access their services Furniture Banks in Massachusetts Furniture Assistance Programs

Aug 16 Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports Post not marked as liked May 7 MCH's Legislative Action Day 2024 Thank You Post not marked as liked Feb 21 Older Adults at Risk of Homelessness Set to Triple by 2030 Post not marked as liked Feb 9 Massachusetts Youth Count: Come back to this page soon to learn more about Youth Count 2024 and how to get involved Post not marked as liked Feb 9 From Parking Lot to Permanent Housing: MCH’s Journey Towards Transforming Communities Post not marked as liked Jan 26 Join us in advocating for key FY25 budget priorities! Post not marked as liked Oct 24, 2023 Support Families Experiencing Homelessness and Protect the Right to Shelter Post not marked as liked Aug 22, 2023 Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Post not marked as liked Aug 14, 2023 Joint Statement and Call to Action for Families Experiencing Homelessness Post not marked as liked Apr 6, 2023 Weigh in with the Legislature in support of key fiscal year 2024 budget priorities! Post not marked as liked Apr 4, 2023 Join us in uplifting key bill and budget priorities! Post not marked as liked Apr 4, 2023 Join us in uplifting key 2023-2024 bill priorities and FY24 budget priorities! Post not marked as liked Mar 23, 2023 Take action today to restore critical Chapter 257 eviction protections! Post not marked as liked Jan 11, 2023 Job Posting: Casa Project Advocate (Housing Coordinator) Post not marked as liked Sep 29, 2022 Take action to restore upstream access to RAFT! Post not marked as liked Jul 27, 2022 Participate in Our Online Action to Strengthen the Economic Development Bill! Post not marked as liked Jul 18, 2022 FY23 Budget Advocacy: Participate in Our Online Action to Ask Governor Baker to Keep Key Housing and Homelessness Funding and Provisions in the FY23 Budget Post not marked as liked Jun 23, 2022 FY23 Budget Advocacy: Sign Our Online Action to Strengthen the Conference Committee Budget Post not marked as liked Jun 14, 2022 FY23 Budget Advocacy: Take Action to Strengthen the Conference Committee Budget Post not marked as liked May 2, 2022 Everyone Needs ID: Sign our online action to push for passage of the Mass ID access bill! Post not marked as liked Feb 16, 2022 Job Posting: Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate Post not marked as liked Jan 18, 2022 Organizations Unite to Restore Upstream Access to RAFT Post not marked as liked Announcements Follow this page for announcements related to our programming, mission, and advocacy alerts