Public housing (PH) is intended to provide safe and sanitary rental housing for eligible low-income individuals, families, elderly and persons with disabilities. In its broadest definition, PH comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to apartment complexes. In Massachusetts, further PH aid is provided to local housing authorities by EOHLC (formerly known as DHCD).
The HHA is responsible for the management of its public housing and voucher programs. Ongoing functions: Lease compliance, unit inspections, annual/interim household income redetermination, and maintenance of apartments and property.
The HHA manages apartments under the Public Housing Program. These apartments provide safe and sanitary rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly & persons with disabilities. HHA is the landlord, with accompanying responsibilities of administration, maintenance and management of all apartments. These apartments are supported by funding from Massachusetts EOHLC regulating program eligibility and other requirements for each property.
Yes, there are Priorities and Preferences, along with a time and date stamp of your original application submission, according to the CHAMP Application. The State verifies preferences such as: Displacement by Natural Forces, Urban Renewal, Sanitary Code Violations, Homeless, Severe Medical Emergency, or Abusive Situation. Priority may also include Veteran Status or Local Preference.
Rental Voucher Programs (like Section 8 or MRVP) use rental vouchers to subsidize a qualified individual or family rent paid to private landlords. This allows eligible low-income individuals, families, elderly, and persons with disabilities, the opportunity to afford private rental apartments. The HHA is an issuing agency for only the MRVP, and performs the duties as outlined by MRVP regulations for the eligibility and other requirements of the specific Housing Voucher Program.
The HHA program is intended for low-income families. Eligibility is based on household income. References and CORI's are used to verify tenancy. Income limits are set by EOHLC for eligibility purposes for all programs. Please call us (508) 945-0478 to determine program eligibility.
Please call our office for an application. You may also apply directly online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us. Also refer to the "Resource" tab under "Documents" and "CHAMP" to print the public housing application.
A completed and signed CHAMP Application. You may apply directly online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/
Monday - Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday by appointment only. We are closed all State and Federal holidays.
Once your CHAMP application is signed and completed, you may bring to our offices for us to upload to CHAMP (or you may apply directly online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us). Your application is then "time and date stamped" to hold your place in line. CHAMP has a "Priority and Preference" categorization-please call with further questions (508) 430-2390. Documents may be uploaded online through your CHAMP account if you are computer savvy.
The names, sex, date of birth, & relationship to the head of household; present address and telephone number; household income including benefit letters. State issued ID's, birth certs and SS card copies are required before approval. Current and previous landlord info for verification. Additional documents may be necessary as each household is unique.
No. There is no reason for HHA to visit. If, however, you have been issued an MRVP, prior to any subsidy received, all units must pass a "Safe and Sanitary" Inspection (even if you are wanting to apply the Voucher toward your current apartments rent). The Contract Rent must also fall within the program requirements. Your landlord will need to pay any fees incurred for the inspection and repair any findings.
At the time of submitting your CHAMP Application, it is not necessary. You are always welcome to upload your household ID's, Birth Certs, SS cards, paystubs or benefit letters regarding the household. This information will be necessary prior to housing or vouchers offered.
Once your CHAMP Application has been submitted online or entered by HHA, your application is then "time and date-stamped" to hold your place on the waitlist. If you have claimed any "Priorities or Preferences", The State will review and may request supporting documents. You will be granted/denied for any "Priorities/Preferences" requested and notified via email or letter. You will be placed on the respective program waiting list(s) per your application details.
If you are ineligible, the State or HHA will send you written notification stating the reason. You may request an informal hearing to discuss the circumstances of the Housing Authority's decision.
Yes. For PH, you will sign a lease with the Housing Authority. For the MRVP, you will sign a Lease with your landlord and a Program Participation Agreement with Housing Authority, the issuing agency for your MRVP.
PH rent is based on your household gross annual income. Deductions and exclusions may apply by household and program. Applicable deductions may include: An elderly family member, disabled individual, paid medical receipts, or prescription costs, but can vary by program.
PH household rent varies from program to program. PH Anchorage and Congregate rent is approx. 30% of household income. Family PH is approx. 27% of your household income as families are responsible for electric use. The MRVP has different rules. The tenant portion is roughly 30%-40% of household income and the voucher pays the remainder (provided all program regs are met). Our PH has a minimum rent if the household has "no income".
Yes, parking is provided at all HHA developments. Availability of parking for apartments under the Leased Housing Voucher Program varies from apartment to apartment.
In general, you may stay in public housing or retain your voucher as long as you comply with the lease or terms of the voucher contract. You must also meet the income eligibility requirements of that program. You will not be required to move from public housing unless there is housing available for you in the private market. With the exception of a lease violation, your housing may be terminated--only after due process.
There are two categories of subsidized housing programs; Public Housing Programs where the Housing Authority, like HHA, is the landlord, and Leased Housing or Rental Voucher Programs (like MRVP) where private individuals, companies or corporations, are the landlord.