Like other cities in the USA, Massachusetts is also suffering from homelessness. Yes, there are a handsome number of people who are homeless in the city of Massachusetts. That is why hotel vouchers are important for Massachusetts residents who are suffering from homelessness. These hotel vouchers are important to offer emergency support.
Using these vouchers, you can stay in a hotel or motel that offers a safe and secure place.
Through this guide, we will explore how hotel voucher programs work, who is eligible, how to get these free vouchers and other details that help people.
Hotel vouchers are beneficial for immediate shelter needs, especially when shelters are in extreme weather conditions. While hotel vouchers are one and only solution to homelessness, they help with essential services and offer temporary stays.
Organizations that Help with Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Massachusetts
There are several organizations available in Massachusetts, that help homeless people and families with hotel vouchers. Using that voucher people can stay at any nearby hotel or motel for free of cost. StayinGuide has described the organizations with details for you.
1. Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
DHDC offers housing assistance in Massachusetts, including emergency hotel vouchers to the homeless. Through several emergency programs, this program offers hotel vouchers to eligible people and families. But, they offer temporary housing options. Contact the DHCD directly or visit their official website for further details.
- Contact: (617) 573-1100
2. Salvation Army of Massachusetts
The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance including hotel vouchers, food, and clothing to save people from emergencies. If the homeless shelters are full, then the Salvation Army offers temporary hotel vouchers, particularly for the needy, such as families with children or victims of domestic violence.
- Contact: (339) 502-5856
3. Catholic Charities of Massachusetts
Catholic charities are another popular faithful church that helps with hotel vouchers and housing assistance. Catholic charities also help people to find a long term housing solution.
- Contact: (617) 482-5440
4. United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
United Way collaborates with local shelters and organizations to offer free emergency hotel vouchers. Their 2-1-1 helpline connects people to resources that can help them. For further detail call 2-1-1 or visit their official website.
- Contact: Call 2-1-1
5. Volunteers of America (VOA) Massachusetts
Volunteers of America provides emergency hotel vouchers, for the homeless. They only help eligible people such as those with mental health challenges, veterans, and families. VOA also helps connect people with long-term housing solutions.
- Contact: (617) 522-8086
6. Boston Public Health Commission – Emergency Shelter Commission
The Emergency Shelter Commission in Boston coordinates temporary shelter services for people in crisis. During extreme weather conditions, they may distribute hotel vouchers to ensure that no one is left without shelter. This service is particularly important during winter months when additional public safety precautions are needed.
- Contact: (617) 534-5395
7. Veterans Inc.
Veterans Inc. helps veterans find not only long-term housing but also job training and mental health services. You can visit their official website to get help from them in an emergency.
- Contact: (800) 482-2565
8. Homestart Inc.
Homestart is working to prevent homelessness by providing support to homeless people who are at risk of losing their homes. They help with temporary housing options, but they also work for people to get them a permanent, stable housing option.
- Contact: (617) 542-0338
To receive a hotel voucher you can visit their official website or call them directly and explain your situation.
Also read: Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Tennessee
Government Programs That Offer Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Near Me
Not only nonprofits Massachusetts government programs also offer free and emergency hotel vouchers near me. Here the programs are listed with detailed information.
1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partners with local organizations and donates to emergency housing programs to help the homeless. Through its Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, HUD provides hotel vouchers for the homeless.
2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF offers financial assistance to homeless people and families to ease their financial burden. Sometimes instead of providing financial support they also help with hotel vouchers to secure a stable housing option for them. TANF often collaborates with local shelters and hotels that offer free temporary shelters to the needy.
3. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
This program especially helps homeless families with shelter assistance and sometimes they cover the hotel fee also by offering free hotel vouchers. These services are available through your nearest local government offices.
4. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
People who lost their homes due to natural disasters may get help with hotel vouchers from FEMA. They help almost everyone who has been displaced due to disaster, lost their home, and spent nights under the open sky. You may get free and temporary assistance during your emergency from this program.
5. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program wants to end poverty and homelessness in society. That is why they help low-income families and families in crisis, including temporary housing solutions. Contact these organizations for further detail or additional support.
So, whenever you need help, visit your nearest government office, and explain your current emergency, to receive assistance.
How May You Get Immediate Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Massachusetts?
If you lost your job suddenly, were evicted from your home suddenly, or were displaced due to a disaster then you may need immediate help. But how can you get immediate help in Massachusetts? StayinGuide has a few exclusive ways to get immediate hotel vouchers near me.
- Contact the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):
The Massachusetts DHCD helps with immediate assistance. If you need help immediately with hotel vouchers in Massachusetts, then it is a great idea to contact the DHCD through their official number 1-866-584-0653 for emergency assistance.
- Contact Local Shelters:
Go to your nearest local shelter, as they also have access to hotel vouchers. In Massachusetts, Pine Street Inn (Boston) or Father Bill’s & MainSpring (South Shore) are some popular organizations that may help you with immediate hotel vouchers.
- Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) Program:
Low-income families who are currently facing homelessness or at risk of being homeless soon may receive free hotel vouchers from the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Program.
- Call 2-1-1:
In any case of emergency, there is a number 2-1-1. Call the number and they will connect you with local resources that may help you with emergency housing, hotel vouchers, and other immediate assistance.
- Search for Nonprofit Organizations:
Nonprofits like Catholic Charities of Boston, The Salvation Army, or United Way Massachusetts Bay help with hotel vouchers, for those in need.
These are few ways that you should follow to get immediate help with hotel vouchers.
Massachusetts Emergency Hotel Voucher Application Process
Being homeless, you need to apply for hotel vouchers for homeless Massachusetts. The application process varies depending on the program, your needs, your situation, and others. Though, the common and simple application method is described here for you to make a hassle-free application.
- Assess Eligibility
Firstly you need to check whether you’re eligible to receive a hotel voucher or not. Hotel vouchers are given only to people who are experiencing homelessness facing financial challenges, or suffering from eviction, domestic violence, or a natural disaster.
- Prepare Needed Documents
Prepare the following documents, as they may be required during the application process:
- Proof of identification
- Proof of income or lack of income
- Documentation of homelessness or housing crisis
- Contact the resources
You need to contact the government, nand onprofit organizations that help with hotel vouchers. Inquire them about the application process, policies, and any other information that you may need to know.
- Fill out the form and Submit
Now the most important step is filling the form accurately. You need to fill out the form correctly and need to attach the above-mentioned documents with the form. After filling out the form submit it online. You can submit the form at any nearby office.
- Wait and Follow up
Now, you have to wait for a few days for the confirmation. If you don’t get any response for a long time then contact the organization again to know your application status.
Conclusion
In times of crisis, getting immediate hotel vouchers in an emergency shelter is great. Massachusetts offers a range of resources, including local shelters, nonprofit organizations, and government programs, that help with hotel vouchers for the needy.
StayinGuide has described everything for you. if you need help contact the organizations and programs or call 2-1-1. For further queries comment us.