Federally-Funded Housing Vouchers
There are several federal housing voucher programs.
Some vouchers are mobile, meaning the voucher holder is the renter and it can follow the person when they move as long as they remain eligible. Other vouchers are project-based, meaning the property owner is the voucher holder and the voucher stays with the unit when the person moves.
for people with limited income
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 is a federally funded housing voucher program for people with low to moderate income. Section 8 includes both mobile and project-based vouchers. There are several ways to apply.
DHCD Statewide Waitlist
Apply at any of the regional administrating agencies to be placed on the statewide waitlists that is maintained by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List
Most housing authorities in Massachusetts with Section 8 vouchers participate in the Centralized Waiting List. Apply to this list to be placed on the waitlists for each participating housing authority.
Local Housing Authorities
Some local housing authorities maintain their own waitlists. As you apply to the Centralized Waiting List, check your list of cities and towns from Part 2. If any of those cities or towns are not on the list of participants for the Centralized list, you can call that housing authority directly to ask about their Section 8 waitlist.
You can also ask about project-based Section 8 vouchers and their waitlist and application process. Note that some of these waitlists may be limited to residents of that city or town, and some may be closed to new applicants.
for people who are unhoused
Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program
The Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program provides project-based housing assistance for people who are unhoused. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers 5 Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation SRO developments. One of these developments is especially for people who are living with HIV or AIDS, two are for people who have veteran status. You can reach out to DHCD to learn more about these developments and how to apply.
Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program
for veterans
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program
The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program is a housing voucher program for veterans who have also have mental health conditions or substance use issues. VASH typically serves veterans who meet the federal definition of “chronically homeless” and their families. You can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for information on how to apply for VASH and other housing assistance programs for veterans.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
1-877-424-3838
for people with children who have DCF involvement
Section 8 Family Unification Program
The Family Unification Program provides housing assistance to families with children who are in a foster care placement, at risk of a foster care placement, or who have been displaced due to domestic violence, as well as youth who have aged out of foster care. Applicants must have an open case with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Speak with your DCF case worker to learn more about this program.
Section 8 Family Unification Program
for people living with HIV or AIDS
Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance
The Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance provides rental subsidies and support services for people living with HIV or AIDS. People involved in this program receive a housing voucher, housing counseling and search help, and other supportive services. Applicants must be referred by JRI Health.
Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance