Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Massachusetts

Like other U.S. cities, Massachusetts also suffers from homelessness. Yes, there is a significant number of homeless people in Massachusetts. That’s why hotel vouchers are important for Massachusetts residents who find themselves in this situation. These hotel vouchers are crucial for providing emergency support.

Being homeless in Massachusetts, especially during the harsh New England winters or even on a rainy summer night, can feel like you have no options. When emergency shelters are full or unavailable, a hotel voucher might be the best alternative.

It’s a short-term solution that offers a clean bed, a roof over your head, and perhaps even a hot shower while you work through your situation. Several programs in Massachusetts offer free hotel or motel vouchers to homeless individuals and families.

Organizations that Help with Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, several organizations help homeless individuals and families with hotel vouchers. With these vouchers, people can stay at any nearby hotel or motel for free. StayinGuide offers a detailed description of these organizations.

1. Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

The DHCD provides housing assistance in Massachusetts, including emergency hotel vouchers for homeless individuals. Through various emergency programs, this program offers hotel vouchers to eligible individuals and families. It also offers temporary housing options. For more information, contact the DHCD directly or visit its official website.

Contact: (617) 573-1100

2. The Salvation Army of Massachusetts

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, including hotel vouchers, food, and clothing to help people in emergency situations. If homeless shelters are full, the Salvation Army offers temporary hotel vouchers, especially for those in need, such as families with children or victims of domestic violence.

Contact: (339) 502-5856

3. Catholic Charities of Massachusetts

Catholic Charities is another popular church that offers hotel vouchers and housing assistance. They also help people find long-term housing solutions.

Contact: (617) 482-5440

4. United Way of the Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

United Way partners with local emergency shelters and organizations to offer free emergency hotel vouchers. Their 211 helpline connects people with resources that can help them. For more information, call 211 or visit their official website.

Contact: Call 211

5. Volunteers of America (VOA) Massachusetts

Volunteers of America provides emergency hotel vouchers for people experiencing homelessness. They only assist eligible individuals, such as people with mental health conditions, 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 Boston Emergency Shelter Commission coordinates temporary shelter services for people in crisis. During extreme weather conditions, it may distribute hotel vouchers to ensure that no one is left without shelter. This service is especially important during the winter months, when additional public safety precautions are required.

Contact: (617) 534-5395

Read More: How to Access Winter Shelters During Cold Weather Emergencies Near Me?

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 for emergency assistance.

Contact: (800) 482-2565

8. Homestart Inc.

Homestart works to prevent homelessness by providing support to homeless individuals at risk of losing their homes. They offer temporary housing options and also help people find permanent, stable housing.

Contact: (617) 542-0338

To receive a hotel voucher, you can visit their official website or call them directly and explain your situation.

Read also: Nonprofit Organizations That Offer Free Food and Shelter

Government Programs That Offer Housing Assistance for the Homeless Near Me

Not only nonprofit organizations, but also Massachusetts government programs offer free emergency hotel vouchers near you. Here is a list of programs 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 provides grants to emergency housing programs to help people experiencing homelessness. Through its Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, HUD provides hotel vouchers for people experiencing homelessness.

2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness to ease their financial burden. Sometimes, in addition to providing financial support, it also helps with hotel vouchers to ensure a stable housing option. TANF often partners with local shelters and hotels that offer free temporary accommodations to people in need.

3. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

This program primarily assists homeless families with housing assistance and sometimes covers hotel rates by offering free hotel vouchers. These services are available through your nearest local government office.

4. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

People who have lost their homes due to natural disasters can receive assistance with FEMA hotel vouchers. This program helps almost everyone displaced by disasters who has lost their home and spent nights outdoors. You can obtain free, temporary assistance during your emergency through this program.

5. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program aims to eradicate poverty and homelessness in society. Therefore, it assists low-income families and families in crisis, including providing temporary housing solutions. Contact these organizations for more information or additional support.

So, whenever you need help, visit the nearest government office and explain your current emergency to receive assistance.

How can I get a free hotel voucher if I am homeless in Massachusetts?

To get a free hotel voucher in Massachusetts, you generally need to contact a shelter, a community outreach team, or the local Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) office. You typically can’t just walk into a hotel and ask for one; it’s issued through an agency, a nonprofit organization, or a municipal emergency program.

The most common ways to get hotel vouchers in 2025 include:

1. Visit or call a local or family emergency shelter and request additional help when beds are full.
2. Enter into community outreach teams, especially if you are experiencing homelessness.
3. Be referred by a hospital, police department, or social worker who confirms your emergency status.
4. Apply at a Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) office, especially if you have children or are in an emergency housing situation that qualifies you.

Each situation is handled individually, and availability changes daily depending on funding and demand. Therefore, the key is to contact them early, explain your need, and be persistent.

Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Massachusetts?

Eligibility varies by provider, but most programs focus on individuals or families who meet one of these conditions:

1. Homeless Families with Children

The Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) program typically offers hotel accommodations when shelters are unavailable. To qualify, families must:

• Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Be legal residents of Massachusetts
• Care for at least one child under 21 or a pregnant woman

2. Homeless Single Adults

Some nonprofit organizations issue emergency vouchers for:

• Seniors
• Veterans
• Fleeing Violence
• People with Disabilities
• Recently Displaced Persons

3. Survivors of Domestic Violence

Confidential hotel accommodations are offered through shelters and local domestic violence hotlines when immediate protection is needed.

4. People Affected by Natural Disasters

Storms, fires, and floods may qualify individuals for short-term hotel accommodations through state agencies and the American Red Cross.

Prepare These Documents Before Applying for Hotel Voucher Programs

You don’t need a ton of paperwork, but being prepared helps a lot. Most agencies or shelters will ask for some or all of the following documents when deciding whether to grant you a hotel voucher:

• Valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or any photo ID)
• Proof of homelessness (a letter from the shelter, landlord, or a police report)
• Eviction documents or court notices, if applicable
• Birth certificates or documents for children, especially for families
• Medical documents if you are requesting help for a medical or mental health condition
• Proof of income or benefits (if you are requesting ongoing assistance)

If you don’t have everything, don’t panic; explain your situation clearly. Agencies understand that people in crisis may not have perfect documentation. Honesty and perseverance are key.

Conclusion

In times of crisis, obtaining hotel vouchers immediately at an emergency shelter is an excellent option. Massachusetts offers a variety of resources, including local shelters, non-profit organizations, and government programs, that help with hotel vouchers for people in need.