Homeless Assistance in Massachusetts
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Massachusetts residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Massachusetts residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Massachusetts. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Massachusetts. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Massachusetts veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Massachusetts residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Massachusetts. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Massachusetts receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Massachusetts Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Massachusetts locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Massachusetts community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Massachusetts residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedMassachusetts State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Massachusetts for residents experiencing homelessness.
MA Emergency Assistance (EA) Program
Massachusetts’s Emergency Assistance program provides shelter to homeless families with children as a right under state law — one of the few states with this guarantee.
Get StartedTAFDC (Massachusetts TANF)
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children provides cash and support services for eligible Massachusetts families. Apply at dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov.
Get StartedMassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)
MassHealth provides comprehensive health coverage to low-income Massachusetts residents. Apply online, by phone, or at any MassHealth Enrollment Center.
Get StartedMassachusetts Housing Programs
Massachusetts DHCD provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Massachusetts residents.
Get StartedMassachusetts Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Massachusetts’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Massachusetts households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Massachusetts cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Boston
Boston Healthcare for the Homeless — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Boston area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedWorcester
Dismas House — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Worcester area.
Get StartedSpringfield
Friends of the Homeless — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Springfield area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Massachusetts.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Massachusetts Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Massachusetts veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
