Public Housing

Local public housing authorities own public housing developments/projects. Apartments in these developments are generally reserved for the elderly, disabled and low-income and moderate-income families. Some developments are specifically for the elderly and disabled. There are income-eligibility and asset guidelines, and a disabled person must present evidence of their disability. In general, a tenant will pay about 30% of their income for rent.

Applications are made to individual housing authorities, and applicants may or may not have a choice of which development they are assigned to by a specific authority. Often waiting lists are long, so don’t be afraid of applying to more than one waiting list. There are 253 local public housing authorities (PHAs) in Massachusetts.

• Apply here for state-funded housing in Massachusetts. This website provides the CHAMP common application for applying to most Massachusetts public housing authorities. The applicant lists all applicable housing authorities on this form, and the application is forwarded to all the selected authorities. This application is also for the alternative voucher program (AHVP) which provides a “mobile” housing market for apartments on the private market for non-elderly disabled individuals.
• Apply here for state-funded housing in Boston. Some housing authorities, including Boston, do not participate in the common CHAMP application. Those living in Boston will need to fill out a separate application.
• Apply here for federally-funded housing. Federally-aided public housing developments do not use the CHAMP application. These developments are administered by local housing authorities but are overseen by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.