Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
RAFT
Also: State Public Housing and Rental Vouchers
RAFT provides short-term financial help to eligible households facing housing instability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Emergency Assistance Family Shelter
Also: HomeBASE
Emergency Assistance provides eligible families with shelter and related support when they have no safe place to stay.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Home Energy Assistance Program
In Massachusetts, LIHEAP is called HEAP.
HEAP helps eligible households pay heating bills and manage energy costs.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
In Massachusetts, TANF is called TAFDC.
TAFDC gives eligible families with children cash assistance and related supports.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children
EAEDC provides cash assistance to eligible older adults, people with disabilities, and certain caregivers.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Mass 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988