Families are placed in our shelter units through the Department of Transitional Assistance. If you need shelter immediately, please refer to the information below.
Families are placed in our shelter units through the Department of Transitional Assistance. If you need shelter immediately, please refer to the information below.
If you are homeless and already receiving TAFDC, please contact your case worker to determine eligibility for Emergency Assistance Family Shelter. Otherwise, please contact your local DTA Office.
Shelters for individuals and couples without children provide beds on a first come, first served basis. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless keeps an up-to-date list of all shelters in the state. Individuals should call the shelter directly to check availability.
The following list of shelters generally offers temporary shelter to youths 12 to 17 years old. Please review the qualifications carefully to make sure you are eligible for the shelter and if you need a referral to enter the shelter.
All shelters for domestic violence survivors have 24-hour hotlines, and generally accept only women who are in imminent danger. Often, they will refer women to a “Safe House” outside of her own community.
Housing stability is so much more than having shelter. In addition to our many services, Housing Families works with other nonprofits in Massachusetts to connect families to additional services and resources that are helpful during a time of instability.
Food pantry: Bread of Life, Project Bread
Food stamp applications:
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
Food assistance for mothers:
Women/Infant/Children (WIC)* – 1-800-942-1007
Heat assistance: Citizens Energy
Fuel assistance and other utilities:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Utilities arrearage:
Arrearage Management Programs (AMPs); or contact your local utility provider
Career centers: Labor and Workforce Development
College scholarships: One Family*
Job search: Career Collaborative
Resources and referral agencies:
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Child care: Horizons for Homeless Children*
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Housing Families is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 04-2925846