Emergency shelter provides a safe place for people experiencing homelessness or fleeing an unsafe situation. By entering a shelter, you may gain access to emergency housing vouchers, case management, and other services that you would otherwise not be eligible if you did not enter a shelter even if you are experiencing homelessness. 

MA Guide to Housing Assistance

Questions?

Amanda Wolfe, Housing & Land Use Planner | awolfe@townhall.westwood.ma.us | 781-251-2598

Families

Households with children under 21 and/or pregnant individuals have a right to shelter in Massachusetts through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Emergency Assistance (EA) Emergency Family Shelter. Due to the ongoing State of Emergency in MA, there may be a waitlist for family shelter. For the most up to date information on the State of Emergency, visit mass.gov. 

Eligibility

• MA resident
• Meet gross income standards
• Reason for homelessness:
  • No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation, foreclosure, or eviction
  • Fleeing domestic violence (within 12 months)
  • Children exposed to substantial health and safety risk

For intake, call 866-584-0653 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The line is closed on state holidays. Translation services are available for free when you call. Or intake in-person at a regional office. More Info

HomeBASE

Those residing in an EA Emergency Family Shelter, non-EA domestic violence shelter, or determined to be eligible for EA Emergency Family Shelter but still waiting placement automatically are connected to HomeBASE benefits that can pay:

• First and last month's rent, security deposit, broker's fee for a new apartment
• Monthly payments to help with rent up for up to 3 years
• Furniture, moving expenses, and utilities
• Overdue rent and/or utility payments

HomeBASE will contact you if you meet the above criteria. Learn more. 

Adults without Children

SMOC & MA Balance of State CoC

There is no centralized shelter intake line for individuals or households without children under 21. However, the MA Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) facilitates the Coordinated Entry (CE) process connecting individuals experiencing homelessness - particularly chronic homelessness (12+ months) - to needed resources:

• permanent supportive housing
• rapid rehousing
• transitional housing
• supportive services

The MA Balance of State CoC is run by EOHLC and made up of member organizations throughout the region - including the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC). SMOC is based out of Framingham, but opened a satellite office at the SAFE Coalition in Franklin in June of 2024 - where the CoC Housing Navigator is available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Learn More | To make an appointment, contact:

Patrick Barrett, CoC Housing Navigator
SMOC
31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C
Franklin, MA 02038
508-620-2457 | (c) 508-383-5720

Area Shelters

You can also contact shelters directly.

View a full list of statewide shelters.

Domestic Violence 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing domestic violence and would like to access a shelter and/or advocacy, call SafeLink at 877-785-2020 or contact a local domestic violence organization directly. 

Emergency Shelter

• DOVE Emergency Shelter - call SafeLink or 617-471-1234
• Casa Myrna (shelter) - call SafeLink

Advocacy

• Casa Myrna Community-based Advocacy - call SafeLink or 617-521-0108
• DOVE Advocacy & Counseling - call 617-770-4065 ext. 300

Veterans

There is a strong support network for veterans experiencing homelessness. Veterans should contact TJ Dedeschi, Deputy Director of Veterans Services. 

Pets

There are many resources for those facing housing instability with pets. Review your options.

Additional Town Services

• Youth & Family Services offers counseling and other supportive services for families.
• Student Services ensures students experiencing homelessness are given their rights and services guaranteed by the McKinney-Vento Act. 
• Westwood Public Library is open to all regardless of residency or if you have a library card for access to services, such as internet and printing. 
• Housing Division FAQs & Resources include resources on eviction, utilities, food assistance programs, and more.