HomeBASE is the Commonwealth’s re-housing benefit program created to provide families who are in the emergency shelter assistance system an opportunity to overcome some of the financial barriers to ending their homelessness and moving into permanent housing. Homebase funding can be used to provide first and last month’s rent and security deposit in a new home, furniture, a monthly stipend to help pay rent for up to one year, utilities, travel costs, and other possible expenses that would otherwise prevent a family from accessing a new home.

HomeBASE additionally provides a designated stabilization worker for each family to help access community supports and offer resources to resolve issues that may arise, including tenancy-related issues. Families enjoy the support of a case manager and may access agency resources such as education, workforce development, child care.

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Eligibility

HomeBASE benefits are available to individuals, including:

  • Families deemed eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter by a DHCD Homeless Coordinator can access HomeBASE. Eligible families must meet income and other standards that includes providing documentation on the reasons for homelessness.
  • Families residing in non-EA domestic violence shelters and residential use treatment programs may also be eligible to access HomeBASE. Families in these programs who are interested in HomeBASE should ask staff at their shelter or residential program about a referral.

Applying

If you are in a housing crisis and need help and/or want to know more about the HomeBASE Program, please call:

  • Housing Consumer Education Centers: 1-800-224-5124, or
  • DHCD Division of Housing Stabilization: 1-866-584-0653, or
  • Dial 211 for general information about programs in your area that may be able to help you, or visit http://www.mass211help.org or http://www.massresources.org