Housing Resources
Public Housing Resources
Here is the website for Federal Section 8 Vouchers:
http://www.section8listmass.org/
Here is the website for ‘Federal Housing Program’ Applications (not Section 8):
https://www.lexingtonhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Federal-application.pdf
Here is the website for the Massachusetts Centralized Public Housing Application “CHAMP”:
https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/
Affordable Housing Resources
Housing Navigator Massachusetts, Inc.
Most comprehensive database of income-restricted rentals across the state. Renters can simply enter preferences like location or number of bedrooms to see a list of apartments. Information about age restrictions (if any), wait lists and lotteries is included in listings.
Metro West Collaborative Development
“Ready Renter Program” – Excellent resource for beginning a housing search.
MCO Housing Services, LLC
“Has been a recognized champion in creating and distributing affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth since 1989. Given our experience in developing and marketing affordable communities, we understand the various components that go into a successful lottery and/or distribution process for new homes and apartments. We work with prospective affordable homebuyers and renters to ensure they are qualified to buy or lease an affordable property.”
The Bay State Banner
The Bay State Banner provides a database which can be utilized to search for affordable housing opportunities in the Greater Boston area.
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program
The RAFT Program is a homelessness prevention program funded by “The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities” (EOHLC). RAFT provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. RAFT helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both. RAFT helps all kinds of households by providing up to $7,000 per household to help preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, mortgage arrears and overdue rent costs, as well as future rent in limited situations.