Housing Assistance
Emergency Funds/Tenant-Related Assistance
The following organizations in Somerville and Greater Boston help individuals and families in emergency situations or at risk of homelessness:
Community Action Agency of Somerville works to promote the rights of tenants, prevent eviction, and help people access public benefits. It runs the Somerville Head Start Program.
Greater Boston Legal Services offers free legal aid to low-income residents of Somerville.
Somerville Homeless Coalition offers a variety of emergency response programs, including an adult shelter, a family shelter, a food program and one-on-one case management services. Like SCC, SHC also offers cash assistance to people facing housing emergencies.
Somerville Mental Health Association refers individuals and families to housing specialists, legal aid, and social, health care, mental health and substance abuse services. SMHA also offers cash assistance.
LIFT student advocates work side-by-side with low-income community members to address members' immediate needs and chart a sustainable path out of poverty.
Catholic Charities offers cash assistance for rent and utilities. There is also a food pantry, which is accessible by appointment. For help, call Catholic Charities at (617) 625-1920.
Salvation Army offers limited cash assistance for rent and utilities debt. For help, contact Julie Baker at (617) 547-3400.
Finding an Apartment for Rent
We encourage you to sign up for waiting lists for SCC's existing units. If you are interested, please contact Winn Residential at (617) 591-0577. Request to be added to the open waiting lists for any properties for which you may be eligible.
In addition to SCC rental units, the city of Somerville and other Boston-area organizations have many resources available to help people who are looking for affordable housing:
- Visit The Somerville Housing Authority website to learn about different federal and state affordable housing opportunities within Somerville and how to apply.
- Learn about the Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and how to apply.
- Visit The Accessible Housing Registry to search upcoming housing lotteries.
- Visit the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership to sign up for Section 8 waiting lists and see apartment listings.
- Visit the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development website to learn about the three different Section 8 Programs, how they work, their eligibility requirements and how to apply.
- Access privately owned and managed low-, moderate- and market-rate units listed by city/town. While developed with Mass Housing's financial support, these units are not managed by Mass Housing. Anyone wishing to apply for these units should contact the appropriate management company listed on the website.
Buying an Affordable Home
There is an affordable condo for sale at 55 Jacques St. For more information please see this flyer.
There is an affordable condo for sale at 57 Jacques St. For more information please see this flyer.
The City of Somerville website has a complete listing of affordable housing opportunities in Somerville. Resources for locating affordable units in other cities are available through the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance and The Accessible Housing Registry.
To be eligible to buy affordable housing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you must complete a CHAPA-certified homebuyer education workshop. We recommend completing this workshop as soon as possible to become better informed about the process, allowing sufficient time for establishing credit and arranging the necessary documents. SCC periodically offers these classes in Portuguese and Spanish. Classes are also available through other organizations throughout the region. For more information, call (617) 776-5931 and speak with Thais DeMarco, ext. 233.
If you are interested in receiving information about future homebuyer opportunities through SCC or other Somerville-based programs, please contact the city of Somerville Housing Department at 617-625-6600 x2577.top