Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers.
There are several government created housing programs in Massachusetts. Resources available from the statewide Housing Consumer Education Centers can help families deal with a foreclosure, apply for rent assistance, and address public housing issues. There is also help available for homeless people from the government run centers. Find details on how Housing Consumer Education Centers of Massachusetts can help tenants, homeowners and the un housed.
Much of the support from the Housing Centers combine government programs with non-profit help. Some of the programs can provide emergency financial assistance for addressing the housing crisis, and others will offer case management and services such as landlord/tenant or foreclosure mediation. An extensive summary of all the housing assistance programs that are available in Massachusetts is below.
Housing Consumer Education Centers programs for homeowners
Free or low cost foreclosure prevention is offered to homeowners across the state. A number of services are offered as part of the programs. The resources offered will depend on the homeowners personal and financial situation, but can include one or more of the following. Or find other details on mortgage help.
- Massachusetts homeowners can get help with applying for mortgage refinancing, loan modifications, or interest rate reductions.
- Always keep in mind that if you rent and your unit is foreclosed upon, that tenants are protected by both federal government and state of Massachusetts laws and homeowners do not have to move out right away.
- Staff at the state of MA Housing Consumer Education Centers help homeowners find relief for property taxes or even home repair.
Government programs can help people either buy or repair a home too. The repairs focuses on the older stock of homes in MA and first-time buyer services tend to be done in partnership with FHA. Homebuyer and Homeowner assistance programs in Massachusetts can help families repair and/or buy either single or multi-family homes. Specifically, qualified homebuyers may be eligible for down payment and closing costs assistance, low mortgage interest rates, mortgage insurance, homebuyer counseling, and even lead paint removal assistance.
Government help for tenants in MA from the Consumer Education Centers
Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) is a homelessness prevention program that gives emergency financial help and short-term rental assistance. Cash aid is offered for low-income families who are at risk of eviction and becoming homeless. Assistance is also provided for people who are currently homeless.
- The RAFT program also helps families who are behind on mortgage payments, heating or utility bills. This is in addition to the rent relief. RAFT may also be able to help families who have to move but do not have enough money to pay utility startup costs, a security deposit, or can provide cash for first/last month’s rent.
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), as well as Section 8 all provide tenant-based vouchers. These government supported housing vouchers will in effect help low-income individuals and families pay their rent expenses. AHVP is for the disabled in Massachusetts and MRVP is additional government support that is above and beyond section 8 vouchers in MA.
Low income public housing from private landlords is safe, high quality yet affordable government-owned rental housing. It is currently offered for low to moderate-income families with children, people with disabilities, seniors, and even single individuals.
- The units to lease, which Housing Consumer Education Centers can help people find are created by private developers and owners. there are rentals for families with kids or single people. A certain number of privately owned housing and apartments in Massachusetts are set aside for low income families. The apartments and houses to lease are owned by private housing developers, not the federal or state government.
The disabled and seniors may qualify for Supportive Housing and Long-Term Care. Government programs from Housing Consumer Education Centers can help qualified Massachusetts residents who cannot live safely on their own. Supportive housing and long-term care option is available to qualified individuals and it can include affordable private housing with support services. There are also income based long-term group care facilities with full-time medical staff to help.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, in partnership with Housing Consumer Education Centers, provides Emergency Financial Assistance (EA). Families with children and/or pregnant women who are homeless can get government money to pay for housing and rent assistance. The EA program provides emergency shelter, short term transitional housing and help finding permanent housing. Emergency Financial Assistance and housing is run by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Programs for the unhoused
Housing Consumer Education Centers short term transitional housing and homeless shelters give a place to sleep as well as support services to the homeless in Massachusetts. Some shelters that are open are for single adult men and women without children, some focus on families with children, and some are specifically for runaway teens orr teen parents. Transitional housing programs provide many support services and case management to help homeless people find housing, pay security deposits and live independently.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) may also be able to help those struggling with their rent or that are now homeless. Resources can help at-risk individuals and families who only need short-term financial assistance to address their emergency. Massachusetts homeless may also be able to benefit from this program. HPRP provides financial help by offering rental assistance, free hotel/motel vouchers, back rent, utility bills and arrearages, security deposits, and even moving and storage costs.
Contact information
To learn more about all government supported rent, mortgage, and housing programs in Massachusetts that are coordinated by the Housing Consumer Education Centers, dial (617)425-6700 or 1-800-224-5124. Or find more information here. https://masshousinginfo.org/.
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