Rental Housing – MetroWest   (www.mwcil.org/resources/housing)

MA has several programs to provide affordable housing to qualified renters.  The most commonly used are Public Housing and Voucher Programs.  Public Housing is mainly accessed through Housing Authorities. Voucher Programs can be used for any rental units.  Housing voucher programs have very long waiting lists, however, it still makes sense to apply.  Another affordable housing option is Privately Subsidized Complexes.  MWCIL staff can assist individuals with applications to these privately subsidized complexes - www.masshousing.com. 

Accessible housing is included in all categories.  Housing authorities are required to make reasonable accommodations.

To qualify for Public Housing, MA Rental Voucher program or Affordable Housing Voucher program, you need to fill out a DHCD (MA Department of Housing and Community Development) “universal” application (mass.gov/dhcd – navigate to Public Housing Applications).  The application is accepted at all housing authorities, however, you will have to submit separate applications to each location or Housing Authority of interest.  You may also get an application from a Housing Authority.  Eligibility is determined by your income – you must earn less than 80% of the area’s average income, and may be asked to pay 30% of your income for rent.  Most Housing Authorities or other service agencies can help determine your eligibility. 

To qualify for Section 8, a pre-application is available at DHCD (mass.gov/dhcd – navigate to Rental Applications).  All voucher Programs have income eligibility requirements, as well as long waiting lists.  You will not be able to get housing until your voucher has been approved. 

All Housing Applications:  In addition to the application(s) above, you will need to submit additional documents to each location you are interested in renting.
* Birth Certificate.  You may request additional copies from the Town Clerk of the city you were born in.  If you have a Birth Certificate, you submit a copy
* Social Security Card – has to either be sent in, or shown in person. 
* Proof of current/recent income – copy benefit letters or stubs, and/or pay stubs.
* Copies of 3 current bank statements.
* If you are claiming a disability, you need a Physician’s Verification of Disability Form.  Your physician should be able to provide this form.

Local Housing Authorities:
All Housing Authorities in MA are listed at www.mass.gov/dhcd.  Navigate to Contacts.

In addition to MWCIL, housing aid is also available at SMOC – smoc.org – Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council.
 
       280 Irving Street,  Framingham, MA 01702

       	  V/TTY: (508) 875-7853,  Fax: (508) 875-8359
 





  MWCIL enhances the full participation of persons with disabilities in the community. 
4/25/2016