One of the most expensive states to live in around the country, Massachusetts costs on average 49% more than other states. When it comes to housing, it is around 114% higher than in other states. With the high cost of living and housing being difficult for so many people to afford, there are people who struggle financially. Those who struggle to find affordable housing options may need to turn to programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Massachusetts.
The programs that provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Massachusetts help make it possible for many people to make ends meet. The programs will help provide short and long term housing solutions so that people have that basic need met. The programs are provided by a mix of federal and state agencies, along with some organizations that seek to help those in the community who need it.
Be sure to apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time. By reaching out to multiple programs you should be able to get your housing needs met. Plus, the financial help that is provided is considered a gift, not a loan, so you will not ever have to pay it back. The programs can help provide a safety net as you work toward self sufficiency and improving your economic situation.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Massachusetts
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and is available around the country. HUD has an office in every state and provides housing assistance for ex-felons, as well as others. In Massachusetts, HUD has several programs they offer to help people with their housing needs. Some of the programs they offer include helping people to pay their rent, helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, and providing assistance in finding affordable housing options. HUD also has a program called Section 8, which provides people with government owned housing units to live in for free. They will also help with paying for utilities, making necessary home repairs, and providing free weatherization services. To qualify for the programs, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD in Massachusetts, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This government agency offers a program that provides housing assistance for ex-felons in Massachusetts. The program will help those who have a low income with housing, if they are willing to live rurally. The rural development program aims to encourage people to live rurally in the state. Those who qualify for the program will get a grant or low interest loan that they can use to buy or build a home in a rural area of the state. To get more information about the rural development program in Massachusetts, click here.
Massachusetts Housing Authority – This agency is part of the state government. The focus of the programs they offer is to help people find affordable housing options within the state. They offer a public housing program, which includes giving people apartment units and single family homes that they can live in. The apartments are owned by the state government. To qualify for the programs offered through the Massachusetts Housing Authority you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information, click here.
Massachusetts Transitional Services – This state government office provides people with transitional services. The program is open to helping with housing assistance for ex-felons in Massachusetts. In addition to helping with housing needs, they can help people gain access to other resources, such as food, clothing, job training, etc. To qualify for the programs you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information about the programs being offered, click here.
Lowell Transitional Living Center – This program is offered through a non-profit organization. It focuses on helping people who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. They do offer immediate help for those who need assistance right away and are experiencing emergency housing situations. Those who are in the program are able to get case management, so they help you work toward becoming more independent. The transitional living program is open to anyone in the area who has a low income and needs the assistance. To get more information, click here.
Victory Programs – This organization helps people with their housing needs. They provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Massachusetts, as well as others who have a low income and need help. The housing program helps provide short and long term solutions, so that people will have a stable place to live. They have emergency shelter services and help provide case management services, so that people can move into permanent housing. To get more information about the programs offered through this organization, click here.
Citizens Inn Transitions – This organization helps people in the state who need housing assistance. They provide case management services, which will aid people in being able to move toward permanent housing that is independent. To qualify for help, you have to have a low income and be a resident of the state. They also aim to provide a recovery-oriented situation, which helps those who may be struggling with addictions. To get more information about the program, click here.
In addition to these programs, check with your local churches. Many of them will have programs in place that aim to help people in the community. They will often help with housing, as well as with providing food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. By contacting your local churches you should be able to learn about programs they offer, as well as any they can refer you to in the area. Many of the churches partner with a variety of local organizations to help meet the needs of people in the community.
