The HomeBASE Program: Up to $30,000 for Housing Assistance in Massachusetts

The HomeBASE Program in Massachusetts is a critical initiative aimed at addressing homelessness and providing housing stability for individuals and families across the state. This program can provide your family with up to $30,000 over two years!

What is the HomeBASE program?

HomeBASE stands for “Housing, Outreach, Prevention, and Engagement.” It is a statewide program that offers financial assistance and support services to eligible households who are at risk of becoming homeless or are already experiencing homelessness. The program is designed to provide a pathway to housing stability and self-sufficiency, helping individuals and families secure and maintain permanent housing.

It is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and plays a pivotal role in preventing homelessness, rehousing those who are homeless, and ensuring that families and individuals have a safe place to call home.

What does the HomeBASE program do?

The Massachusetts HomeBASE Program is a lifeline for individuals and families facing housing instability and homelessness. This initiative offers a wide range of support to help eligible households secure safe and stable housing.

Here’s a closer look at what the HomeBASE program can do for those in need.

Financial Assistance

One of the primary functions of the HomeBASE program is to provide financial aid to eligible households. This assistance can be substantial, with the program offering up to $30,000 to cover essential expenses required for obtaining secure housing.

These expenses can include:

• Past-due rent and utility payments
• Move-in costs, including first and last month’s rent, security deposits and broker’s fees
• Monthly rent payments for up to three years, helping families maintain housing stability.
• Funds for furniture, moving expenses, and utilities

Case Management

The HomeBASE program recognizes that achieving housing stability goes beyond financial support. That’s why the program assigns a dedicated case manager to each family. These professionals work closely with households to address their unique needs and circumstances.

Case managers play a crucial role in connecting families with community supports, such as:

• Assistance in finding suitable employment opportunities.
• Access to childcare services, making it easier for parents to work or pursue education.
• Educational resources to support children’s schooling.
• Job training and employment assistance to enhance economic self-sufficiency.

HomeBASE’s comprehensive approach combines financial aid with personalized case management to empower individuals and families to regain housing stability and work towards a brighter future. By addressing the immediate housing crisis and providing resources for long-term success, the program embodies its commitment to preventing homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency.

Who does the HomeBASE program help?

The HomeBASE Program serves a wide range of individuals and families, including those who are:

• Facing eviction or housing instability due to financial crises.
• Experiencing homelessness, whether living in emergency shelters, motels, or other temporary arrangements.
• Eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA) benefits, which include families with children, pregnant women, and certain vulnerable populations.

HomeBASE prioritizes families with children and pregnant women, aiming to provide them with the support needed to achieve stable and sustainable housing.

How does the HomeBASE program work?

The HomeBASE program is designed to provide crucial housing stability to families in need. The eligibility requirements are the same as the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter Program. However, families may qualify for the HomeBASE program even if they aren’t currently receiving EA services.

To qualify for Emergency Assistance, individuals and families must meet specific criteria, including:

• Residency: You must be a resident of Massachusetts.
• Income: Your household income should typically be at or below 115% of the Federal Poverty Level. It’s important to note that not all forms of income count towards this limit, offering some flexibility in eligibility determination.
• Child(ren): You must have at least one child under the age of 21 living with you, including pregnancies that count as part of your household.

In addition to meeting the above criteria, individuals and families must be facing homelessness or a housing crisis due to specific circumstances, such as:

• No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, or condemnation
• Foreclosure
• Fleeing domestic violence (current or within the last 12 months)
• No-fault eviction
• Child(ren) are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk

Please note that for the HomeBASE program acknowledges that a family may include parents or guardians, spouses, siblings, stepparents, stepsiblings, or half-siblings.

How do I apply for HomeBASE?

The application for the HomeBASE program is the same as the application for EA Emergency Family Shelter.

Apply for EA

If you haven’t already applied for EA Emergency Family Shelter, you can do so now. You can call (866) 584-0653 during weekday business hours to speak with a call center representative or you can apply in-person at one of the offices listed below.

You will need to provide some documentation within 30 days of starting your application. The required documentation includes:

• Proof of Identity: These documents prove that you are who you say you are. These may include things like driver’s licenses, birth certificates or passports.
• Proof of Relationships: These documents prove that you and your family members are part of one household. These documents may include things like birth certificates, marriage licenses or custody paperwork.
• Proof of MA Residency: These demonstrate your Massachusetts residency and intention to stay. Examples encompass MassHealth registration, voter or school registration, or any Massachusetts ID.
• Explanation of Homelessness: These documents establish the reason for your homelessness, such as eviction paperwork or documentation indicating an inability to stay in your current residence due to health, safety, or other reasons.
• Proof of Finances: Documentation like pay stubs and bank statements is essential to determine eligibility, as EA emergency family shelter has income and asset limits.
• Citizenship or Immigration Documents: At least one family member must have an eligible immigration status. Examples include a U.S.-issued passport, green card, or relevant documentation.

Once you’ve initiated the application process and met with a Homeless Coordinator, you’ll be guided on providing any additional documentation required within the subsequent 30 days. Eligible families may be placed on a waitlist if shelter capacity is limited, with prioritization based on clinical/medical and safety risks.

For those fully eligible for EA Emergency Family Shelter, HomeBASE assistance is also available, even if they are not yet in a shelter. HomeBASE can provide support for various housing-related expenses, such as rent, security deposits, and utilities, based on the family’s needs. After meeting with staff, individuals and families will be referred to HomeBASE, and someone from the program will typically reach out within 24 hours, except on Fridays.

Finally, it’s important to note that while residing in EA Family Shelter, families are required to participate in activities outlined in their rehousing plan to stabilize their situation and work towards permanent housing. Shelter rules, such as curfews, guest policies, and restrictions on pets, alcohol, and illegal drugs, must also be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of all shelter residents.

Already Applied for EA?

If you’ve already submitted an application for the EA Emergency Family Shelter, you don’t need to complete any additional forms. Instead, a diversion provider will reach out to you to assist with the required steps for accessing HomeBASE benefits. This provider will guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the support you need.

If you find yourself eligible for the EA Emergency Family Shelter but haven’t received information about HomeBASE, you can take proactive steps by contacting your caseworker or someone working at your shelter. They can provide you with more details and help you determine if you are eligible for HomeBASE.

Whether you’re currently residing in an EA Family Shelter and seeking more stable housing or exploring your options, HomeBASE may still be accessible to you. Collaborate closely with the staff at your shelter or your designated case worker to gather more information and navigate the path towards securing stable housing.

Relief Recap

The HomeBASE program in Massachusetts offers a lifeline to individuals and families seeking safe and secure housing solutions. It’s a vital resource for those facing housing crises, providing financial assistance and support that can make a significant difference in their lives. Follow the steps outlined in this article to apply for this program so that you and your family can enjoy safe, stable housing.

Low Income Relief Team

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.