We’re providing resources, tips, and other information related to COVID-19 in Massachusetts, categorized by the five pillars of our Bridge to Self-Sufficiency®.

First up: Family Stability, which is divided into two sub-pillars, Housing and Family. This post covers Housing. Click here for Family resources.

• Click here for full details on housing in MA.
• Click here to see all resource categories.

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Shelter

• Families can continue to apply for Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter through the state of MA by calling 1-866-584-0653. Click here for more information.
• Single individuals seeking shelter can find a list of shelters here, or contact Rosie’s Place Advocacy Helpline at (617) 318-0236 (note: Rosie’s Place serves women only).

Utilities

• Click here for utility assistance.
• The MA Department of Public Utilities is extending the state’s moratorium on electric and gas service shutoffs for the duration of the state of emergency in MA.

Housing assistance

• A new special fund under the RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) program has been set up for eligible households (families and individuals) who may face eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Click here for info.

Rent adjustments

• Folks in subsidized housing/public housing/vouchers who have lost income or jobs should contact their rental manager. This may be difficult as offices are closed; keep a log if you cannot reach anyone. Keep paystubs, layoff notices, etc. These will be essential is obtaining rent adjustments.
• NOTE: Anyone living in BHA public housing must see their property manager to report income changes.

Evictions

• Many eviction cases in MA will not be heard until after April 21 in Housing Courts and May 4 in District Courts. However, some eviction cases and emergency situations will be heard before then.
• Boston Mayor Marty Walsh along with several major landlords and real estate groups in Boston have agreed to halt most evictions during the coronavirus emergency. Click here for more information.
• Click here to learn more about evictions.

Housing in Boston

• Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is limiting in-person contact, but continues to be available on-site and by phone and email. Click here for more information.
• BHA has postponed evictions unrelated to public health or safety until further notice.
• For help with rental assistance and arrears, contact the Office of Housing Stability at (617) 635-4200 or housingstability@boston.gov.

Metro Housing Boston & Vouchers

• Though they are not accepting general calls until at least April 7, Housing Supports is taking requests for help via ResourceLine@metrohousingboston.org.
• RAFT pre-applications may still be submitted online here. All applications will be processed electronically.
• Click here for more information about services offered through Metro Housing Boston.
• DHCD is moving to temporarily suspend terminations of federal and state rental vouchers, including assistance provided under the Section 8 (DHCD portfolio only), Massachusetts Rental Voucher and Alternative Housing Voucher programs, in all cases other than those involving violent or drug-related criminal activity that seriously affects the health and safety of other residents.

Residential leasing/showing

• Click here for guidance from EMPath’s housing attorney.