Family Shelter, Housing Placement, & Stabilization

CMHA provides emergency shelter in coordination with DHCD with programs  designed to provide families with the opportunity to develop a plan for housing and employment, allowing them to get back on their feet and obtain a home as soon as possible. 

Currently, all of our shelter programs are funded by Massachusetts Department of Community and Housing Development (DHCD).  The qualifications that may or may not deem a family eligible is determined solely by DHCD then families are referred to various shelter programs as appropriate. CMHA, works with partner agencies and DHCD to support and offer services to 173 families throughout the city of Worcester. 

Each person has their own unique skills and knowledge assisting people in identifying those things and empowering them to set attainable goals.  We encourage a community atmosphere within our shelters, as everyone brings something different to promote and support growth.

Each family receives:

  • Case management support

  • Housing search assistance

  • Debt and credit repair assistance

  • Educational and work readiness assistance,

  • Stabilization assistance upon their successful exit into stable housing. 

For any additional information regarding shelter qualifications, please visit the DHCD website at

mass.gov/how-to/find-emergency-family-shelter

HomeBase Household Assistance

HomeBase Household Assistance is a flexible financial resource that is available to families who are eligible for the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) program. Families who are in an EA shelter or who have been approved for EA may use HomeBase to.

·         Find their own apartment

·         Co-house by living with someone else and sharing household costs

·         Relocate to a place where they have a place to live , either in Massachusetts or outside of the state

·         Pay utility arrearages

·         Purchase furniture

·         Pay for day care and other expenses that would cause a barrier to getting housed.

DHCD  wants to help you find a housing solution that will help you and your family achieve housing stability.

If you are already in an EA shelter, talk to your case manager.

If you have already been approved for EA but are not residing in shelter, talk to your HomeBase Diversion Specialist.

If your family is homeless with no place to stay, you can apply for EA by visiting a local DHCD office or calling a DHCD Homeless Coordinator at , 857-260-6267.

Housing Portal

Questions on the HomeBase program? You can email us at hb@cmhaonline.org