How to obtain housing assistance in Massachusetts : a handbook of housing resources

36 Pages·1997·3.6 MB·English

by  Massachusetts. Dept. of Housing & Community Development

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Massachusetts Department
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Community Development
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How
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Handbookof Housing Resources
(published July 2000)
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Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
Argeo Paul Cellucci, Governor
Jane Swift, Lieutenant Governor
Jane Wallis Gumble, Director
OneCongress Street IOthfloor Boston, MA 02114 617-727-7765 5?
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www.state.ma.us/dhcd :vl:
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Approvedby: PhilmoreAnderson HI, StatePurchasingAgent
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How
to Obtain Housing Assistance in Massachusetts
Table of Contents
Introduction
Pubuc Housing
Rental. Assistance
SECTION 8
MASS. RENTAL VOUCHER PROGRAM (MRVP)
ALTERNATIVE MOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM (AHVP)
OTHER RENTAL ASSISTANCERESOURCES (ELDERLY, DISABLED)
Homeownership
HOMELESSNISS
Lists of Housing Resources
LOCAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES
REGIONALNON-PROFIT AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OFFICES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES
AREA AGENCIES OFAGING
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
SHELTER REFERRAL PLACEMENT SERVICES
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TEMPORARY SHELTERS
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AGENCIES
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Introduction
This reference guide is for Massachusetts' residents seeking information on housing for low-and
moderate-income families and individuals. Most housing in Massachusetts is rented or sold
through the private real estate market. However, there are numerous agencies and organizations
that provide lower-cost, subsidized housing for those who cannot afford market-rate rents or
home
prices.
There are different types of low-cost housing such as subsidized rental housing, public housing
and homeownership opportunities for low income, first-time homebuyers. Many of these housing
units are subsidized by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or
non-profit or community organizations.
Public Housing raw i
There are approximately 90,000 units of state and federally assisted public housing in
Massachusetts. Public housing developments are apartments that are built and subsidized by
either the state or federal government. There are different types of public housing: public housing
is available to families, to elderly persons, and to certain persons with disabilities. There is a very
small amount of public housing available to single persons.
Public housing developments are managed by local housing authorities. There are 237 local
housing authorities in Massachusetts (see page 10 for a full listing).
Eligibility To be eligible to live in public housing a household must typically earn no more
:
than 80% of the area median income ($50,200 for a family of four in the greater Boston area as
of March 2000). Income guidelines vary from year to year and region to region. Ask the housing
authority you are applying to what the income guidelines are in its region. To live in state-assisted
elderly state public housing, you must be at least 60 years old. If you are a person with a
disability, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for state or federal housing for disabled
persons.
Rent The rent a public housing tenant pays is based on household income and whether the
:
costs of any utilities (electricity, heat, cooking fuel) are included. Public housing tenants pay:
30% of net income for rent if the rent includes any basic utilities
25% of net income if no utilities are provided
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How TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING: You must put your name on a waiting list that is kept
by the local housing authority. Applicants may put their name on more than one waiting list if they
qualify for more than one program. Waiting lists for public housing tend to be long. When your
name comes to the top of the list, the housing authority will contact you. Be sure to notify a
housing authority if you change your address while you are waiting for a public housing unit. See
page 10 for a list of housing authorities and their telephone numbers.
FU&tiC HOUSING Preferences: The following are among the persons given preference for
:
public housing units over other applicants:
Persons who are homeless due to natural disasters
Persons who are homeless due to public action
Persons with emergency needs (such as domestic violence victims, persons with medical
emergencies, or homeless persons facing an immediate threat to their health and safety)
There are also preferences for veterans and local residents. For more details, consult a local
housing authority.
Rental Assistance
Rental assistance programs provide financial aid to help low-income persons rent apartments
other than apartments in public housing developments. There are three types of rental
assistance in Massachusetts: The Section 8 program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher
Program (MRVP), and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP). The federal
government funds Section 8 assistance and the MRVP and AHVP programs are funded by the
state.
Sections
The federal government provides the funds for Section 8 but recipients receive their benefits
through local housing authorities or regional non-profit agencies. There are approximately
126,200 people receiving Section 8 rental assistance in Massachusetts. The United States
Congress periodically makes more vouchers available to the states.
ELIGIBILITY: Persons seeking Section 8 rental assistance can earn no more than 80% of the
area median income ($50,200 for a family offour in Boston), although most Section 8 recipients
earn far less. Income limits vary depending on the number of persons in the household and the
region.
RENTS: Section 8 recipients typically pay 30% of their income for rent. The Section 8 voucher
pays the difference between the rent charged by the landlord and 30% of the tenant's income.
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How to apply FOR Section 8 You can apply in person and get more information by calling
:
any of the local housing authorities starting on page 10 or any of the regional non-profit agencies
on page 25. However, some local housing authorities do not have a Section 8 program or their
waiting lists may be closed. You may apply to as many of the local housing authorities as you
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wish. Ifyou apply to one of the regional nonprofit agencies, your name will be placed on a
i« statewide Section 8 waiting list maintained by the Department of Housing and Community
Development. Most waiting lists may be quite long for non-preference applicants.
Preferences : You may receive preference in receiving Section 8 if you are:
• Involuntarily displaced due to fire, natural disaster, government action, domestic violence,
landlord action, or threats as a result of witnessing a crime; disabled, or if you are at risk
of involuntary displacement within six months;
• Living in substandard housing (such as a shelter or an apartment with serious code
violations);
• Paying more than 50% of your income for rent for more than 90 days (most Section 8
applicants meet this criteria).
Section 8 programs administered by local housing authorities often have a preference for local
residents.
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ii The Massachusetts Rental, Voucher Program
if The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides rental assistance through the Massachusetts
1 Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). The program is funded annually by the state legislature.
%I State-funded "mobile" vouchers can be used any where in Massachusetts, but " project based"
vouchers are only available in specific apartments. The vouchers are administered by local
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housing authorities (see page 10) and regional non-profit agencies (see page 24).
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Eligibility Persons seeking state rental vouchers can earn no more than 200% of the federal
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poverty level ($34, 100 for a household of 4 persons as of April 2000). Income limits are higher or
lower, depending on the size of the household.
RENTS; MRVP "mobile" voucher holders receive varying amounts of subsidy depending on
income. Project-based voucher holders typically pay 30% of their income for rent, and the
voucher makes up the difference between what the landlord charges and what the tenant can
pay. There are limits on the total rental amount.
I How TO apply FOR MRVP assistance Most local housing authorities and all of the
:
MRVP
regional non-profit agencies administer the program. For a list of local housing authorities
I see page 10. For a list of regional nonprofit agencies see page 24.
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Massachusetts Alternative Housing Voucher Frogram
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) was created by the state legislature in 1995. It
provides rental assistance to People with disabilities under age 60 who either live in, or are
eligible to live in elderly/ disabled state-assisted public housing. There were 800 AHVP vouchers
in use, as of April 2000.
ELIWG—I—BILIWTHIMYIM;I The income g^uidelines are the same as MRVP (see above). Applicants must be
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under age 60 and eligible to live in elderly/ disabled state-funded public housing.
RENTS; AHVP recipients pay 30% of their income for rent if the rent includes hear and utilities, or
25% if some or no utilities are included in the rent. There are limits on the total rental amount.
How
to.apply for ALTERNATIVE HOUSING YovcHERS Contact a participating local
:
housing authority, or the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
at [phone], ext. 655.
Other Rental Assistance Resources
For individuals ard families;
The Department of Housing and Community Development manages a number of rental housing
programs, information about which can be obtained by calling [phone], ext. 125. The
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) also maintains a list of rental housing
developments that it has financed. Many units within MHFA-financed developments are reserved
for low- or moderate-income persons. A list of MHFA rental properties can be obtained by calling
(617) 854- 1000 and requesting the rental housing list. The City of Boston operates a Metrolist, a
centralized listing service of both rental and ownership housing opportunities. Contact the
Metrolist at [phone]
FOR THE ELDERLY:
Statewide Elder Hotline [phone]
Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs [phone]
FOR the disabled:
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See the list ofIndependent Living Centers on page 36
Independent Living Information Center: 1-800-462-5015
For special needs housing;
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Massachusetts Department of Mental Health [phone]
Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation [phone]
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There are a variety of programs available to help low- or moderate- income people purchase a
home. Most programs are limited to first-time homebuyers.
The. state. Soft-Second Mortgage Program
The Soft Second Mortgage Program is a state-funded program that helps households earning
approximately $48,000 or less purchase their first homes. The program requires a minimum 5%
down payment. The state will subsidize a second mortgage on behalf of the homeowner who will
also have a conventional mortgage.
For further information: Contact the Massachusetts Housing Partnership at (617)
338-7868 or the Department of Housing and Community Development at [phone].
LOCAL HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS
The state annually awards funds to certain communities and non-profit agencies that operate
local first-time homebuyer programs. Funds are used to make loans to first-time homebuyers
with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income ($50,200 for a family of four in the
greater Boston area).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION; Contact the Department of Housing and Community
Development at [phone]. Information is also available at DHCD's website at
www.state.ma.us/dhcd.
the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)
The MHFA is a quasi-public state agency that provides below-market rate mortgage financing for
first-time homebuyers, and other products (such as lead paint abatement and home
improvement loans) for homeowners with moderate incomes.
For further information: Contact MHFA at [phone] or on the web at: www.mhfa.com
Homebuyer Counseling
Some state and local agencies as well as non-profits and banks offer courses on how to
purchase your first home:
The Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative has information on
homebuyer counseling agencies across the state. Contact: 1-800-HOME-1 11 or on the web at
www. baystatehomebuyer.com
The Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"): 1-800-732-6643
The City of Boston operates the Boston Home Center: (617)-635-4663
The Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency has a list of homebuyer counseling agencies.
Contact them at [phone] or www.mhfa.com
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Intercept Program (HIP)(see list on page 48). The Homelessness Intercept Program may be
able to help you avoid becoming homeless by helping you pay overdue utility bills or overdue
rent, or providing a mediator to work with you and your landlord to resolve any disputes. You can
also call the Department of Housing and Community Development at [phone].
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Call the nearest Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office (see page 26). DTA will
determine if you are eligible for temporary assistance or emergency shelter. HIP providers (on
page 48) can also help you search for housing and help you become stabilized once you have
found housing. If you need temporary shelter, see the list of shelter referral/ placement services
on page 37 and the list oftemporary shelters starting on page 38.
Other Housing anb Social. Services Resources:
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Other organizations that are involved in providing affordable housing and social services for
low-income persons are the Community Development Corporations (CDCs) listed on page 29
and Community Action Agencies listed on page 32.
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LOCAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES
ASHBURNHAM BEDFORD BOURNE
H.A. H.A. H.A.
* - congregate housing available
Chairperson Ashbv Place 871 Shore Road
s - supportive living services
MA MA
P.O. Box 417 Bedford, 01730 Pocasset, 02539
MA
ABINGTON H.A. Ashbumharn, 1430 781-275-2428 508-563-7485
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71 Shaw Avenue 978-827-4104
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MA BELCHERTOWN BOLTON
| Abington, 02351 H.A. H.A.
781-878-5219 ASHLAND H.A. 41 Everett Avenue Bolton Town Hall
MA
59 Park Road Belchertown, 01007 c/o Houghton Blvd.
ACTON MA MA
H.A. Ashland, 01721 413-323-4064 Bolton, 01740
68 Windsor Avenue 508-881-2450 978-779-2297
,
BELLINGHAM
P.O. Box 681 H.A.
Acton, MA 1720 ATHOL H.A. Ten Wrentham Manor BRAINTREE H.A. *
| MA
978-263-5339 21 Morton Meadows Bellingham., 02019 25 Roosevelt Street
| MA
P.O. Box 207 508-883-4999 Braintree, 02184
MA
ACUSHNETH.A. Athol, 01331 781-848-1484
BELMONT
23 Main Street 978-249-4848 H.A.
; Acushnet, MA 02743 59 Pearson Road BREWSTER H.A.
| ATTLEBORO MA
I 508-998-3603 H.A. Belmont, 02478 1 1 Frederick Court
MA
37 Carlon Street 617-484-2160 Brewster, 02631
ADAMS MA
H.A. Attleboro, 02703 508-896-9800
4 Columbia Street 508-222-0151 BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Adams, MA 01220 REGIONAL H.A. BRIDGEWATER H.A. *
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413-743-5924 AUBURN H.A. 150 North Street P.O. Box 306
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MA MA
200 Oxford Street - North Pittsfield, 1201 Bridgewater, 02324
AGAWAM MA
HA. * Auburn, 01501 413-443-7138 508-697-7405
66 Meadow brook Manor 508-832-3852
Agawam, MA 100 BEVERLY H.A. * BRIMFIELD H.A.
I AVON
1-3128 H.A. 137 Bridge Street 20 Colonial Park
MA
413-786-1297 One Fellowship Circle P.O. Box 503 Brimfield, 10
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MA MA
Avon, 02322 Beverly, 01915 10-9528
AMESBURY
H.A. 508-588-1847 978-922-3100 413-245-7056
180 Main Street
Amesbury, MAO 1913 AYER H.A. * BILLERICA H.A. BROCKTON H.A. *
978-388-2022 18 Pond Street 16 River Street 45 Goddard Road
MA MA
Aver, 432 Billerica, 01821 P.O. Box 340
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MA
AMHERST H.A. 978-772-2771 978-667-2175 Brockton, 02403
33 Kellogg Avenue 508-588-6880
Amherst, MA 1002 BARNSTABLE H.A. * BLACKSTONE H.A.
413-256-0206 146 South Street 10 1/2 Foxbrook Manor BROOKFIELD H.A.
MA
Hyannis, 02601 Austin Street C/O No. Brookfield H.A.
MA
ANDOVER H.A. * 508-771-7222 Blackstone, 1504 271 North Main Street
MA
100 Morton Street 508-883-1515 No. Brookfield, 01535
MA
I Andover, 01810 BARRE H.A. 508-867-2826
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978-475-2365 Ruggles Lane BOSTON H.A. *
MA BROOKLINE
Barre, 01005 52 Chauncy Street H.A.
ARLINGTON H.A. 978-355-6643 Boston, MA 021 11 90 Longwood Avenue
1 MA
4 Winslow Street 617-988-4000 Brookline, 02146
MA
Arlington, 02474-3062 617-277-2022
781-646-3400
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