Housing
Housing can be essential to your success at a job. We want to set you up with information on the options of housing available to you and the ways MTW can help you apply and secure your own living space.
step #1: Know The types of Housing
Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from large apartment complexes to single and multi-family homes. Over 240 Local Housing Authorities are responsible for the management and operation of public housing assistance programs throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
There are three major types of public housing available to individuals in the State of Massachusetts: State Aided Public Housing, Federal Aided Public Housing, and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program.
Amongst these options, there are many other programs that can be utilized to find housing. An important example is the SRO or Single-Room Occupancy, a way that allows you to secure an independent room with rental assistance.
State-Aided Public Housing
Includes family and elderly/handicapped housing in buildings owned by LHAs throughout Massachusetts.
To apply online, you must use the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing (CHAMP). If you do not want to apply online, you can complete the CHAMP paper application.
Federally-Aided Public Housing
Federal public housing is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rather than DHCD.
For information about eligibility requirements, rents and applications for federal public housing, please call a participating LHA or visit the HUD website.
Rental Assistance
Massachusetts provides rental assistance through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). State funded "mobile" vouchers can be used anywhere in Massachusetts, but "project-based" vouchers are only available in specific apartments.
step #2: Learn THE SRO PROCess
MTW has partnered with a few different housing organizations to provide Single Room Occupancies (SROs) for young adults working at MTW. You may be eligible to apply for one if you don't have stable housing and have been employed at MTW for a minimum of 60 days.
The Advocacy, Community, and Engagement (ACE) Team at MTW is responsible for connecting interested youth on the team to this resource. The process can take a few different forms, but usually goes like this.
In a check-in with your YDM, you let them know you're between housing situations and would like to know more about the SROs.
Your YDM will inform the ACE team, will fill them in on your situation, and hear back from them on the number of units available.
If there is a unit ready for you, the YDM and ACE team with meet with you to walk you through the process and what you'll need to get through it.
The ACE team will take you on a tour of the unit.
You and your YDM will work together to submit these documents to the ace team:
A copy of photo Mass ID
Copy of Birth certificate
Copy of social security
4 paystubs
And most recent bank statement
All documents submitted to designated ACE team member.
You, your YDM, and the ACE team will complete the application together.
ACE team will submit all paperwork to housing partner and send weekly status updates to you and your YDM until you can move in.
Once you move in, you'll have a check-in with the ACE team every other week so that they can support you as you get settled.
step #3: Select Resources
Housing choices can range depending on the needs and qualifications you have. Here are some of the housing selections that More than Words has existing relationships with. Each has different qualifications and a short description. We have created a resource list in the google doc below that groups resources by type and description.
More than Word's has a housing specialist who works with our ACE team to help you through the housing process. She can introduce you to these resources and help you apply, whether it be applying to voucher's, public housing, or temporary housing.
To contact Danielle, please reach out to her at DDottor@mtwyouth.org.