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Tenant Rights

 

  • Tenants in Foreclosed Properties
    • Tenants Have New Rights After Foreclosure- Brochure for Tenants, MLRI (Spanish version)
    • MA Post-Foreclosure "Just Cause" Eviction Law- MGH Community News, December 2010
    • In May 2009 the federal government enacted the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 ("PTFA"), which provides important federal protections for tenants in foreclosed properties, including the right to receive 90 days' notice before being required to leave the property and, in many cases, the right to remain for the length of the tenant's existing lease term. The PTFA does not negate any greater legal protections provided to tenants under state law; if state law provides stronger protections, those stronger protections will apply.

     

     

  • Eviction (Massachusetts)

    Note: Homeowners see Foreclosure Prevention and RAFT

    Step 1: Ask landlord for flexibility and seek financial help

    • Try to negotiate with the landlord. Ask for reduced rent, payment plan, delay until pending applications are approved, etc. Consider letting them know if you are applying for any assistance and the status. Pay what you can.
      • Advocacy tip: keep written records/copies of communication with landlord and applications for assistance; may help in any subsequent eviction proceedings.
    • Apply for rental assistance if available (unfortunately at this time RAFT is only available for those seeking rental assistance once they've received a Notice to Quit - see Step 2)
      • Boston Residents: Boston Rental Relief program- those earning less than 50% AMI may receive up to 18 months in arrearages or three months of future rent (-30% of income) up to $10,000. More info and details and application.
      • Eligible for HomeBASE? For very low income families with children who are eligible for EA family shelter (but not necessarily homeless). Apply for EA and ask for HomeBASE
      • Call MA 211 and local city hall (or call 311) to inquire about any local rental assistance options
    • Advocacy tip: keep written records/copies of communication with landlord and applications for assistance; may help in any subsequent eviction proceedings.
    • Consider Mediation
      • The Housing Mediation Program (HMP) has a high rate of success with tenants and landlords. Mediation can be a vital tool to help tenants and landlords find a common solution. More information and find a local agency:  https://www.resolutionma.org/housing  
    • Important note: eviction records can lead to life-long rental challenges
      • As soon as an eviction case is filed (by the time you receive a "Notice to Quit" a tenant has an eviction record. Regardless whether they did anything wrong or were actually evicted, the mere fact that they were party to an eviction or housing case is being unfairly held against tenants when they try to rent a new place. Eviction records are publicly available forever regardless of the outcome.
      • Advocacy tip- tenants should carefully consider and balance their rights to stay housed until evicted vs. potential long-term difficulty renting and should seek legal advice. Some advocates suggest that tenants may only want to enter the eviction process if they have a lawyer and a good case that is likely to end in retaining their current housing long-term.

    Step 2: If eviction is proceeding - know your rights and seek legal assist.

    • The "Notice to Quit" - patients may say that they got a letter saying that they are being evicted and have to be out by a certain date. We encourage you to ask if this is a letter they got from their landlord or an offical notice from the court. They may have received a "notice to quit" from their landlord- this notice from the landlord is just the first step in the eviction process; tenants do NOT need to move out by that date. Only a judge can evict someone. Learn more - flyer: Receiving a Notice to Quit (EOHLC) and in Spanish
      • The notice to quit is NOT the same as an eviction and tenants don’t immediately need to leave the unit. Tenants are entitled to a legal proceeding in which you can defend against the eviction. Only a court order can force you to leave your unit.
    • Do NOT ignore any court paperwork or court dates.
      • If you fail to attend your hearing the court may rule against you and allow the eviction to proceed.
    • Apply for RAFT if appear eligible - more information - at this writing must have a Notice to Quit to qualify for RAFT for rent arrears (overdue rent)
      • A provision in the FY24 MA state budget, has made the RAFT eviction protection permanent. It requires courts to pause eviction proceedings for failure to pay rent if a tenant has a pending application for rental aid.
        • Advocacy tip: keep written records/copies of communication with landlord and applications for assistance; may help in any subsequent eviction proceedings.
    • Seek legal advice ASAP
      • KEY RESOURCE: Massachusetts Eviction Legal Help program gives free legal help to low-income tenants and to low-income owner-occupants of 2 or 3-family homes.
      • MGH Health center patients: refer to LINC (medical legal partnership) via Epic
      • Income under 125% FPL?(or 200% FPL in limited circumstances?)
      • Over income for legal services?
        • Try Mass Free Legal Answers Online: mass.freelegalanswers.org
          • Eligibility up to 250% FPL (scroll down)
          • Clients must create the account and ask the question themselves (advocates cannot ask on their behalf)
          • Questions will be answered via the site - volunteer attorneys are NOT able to talk with clients by phone, represent them in court or prepare paperwork.
      • Not eligible for above or need additional help completing paperwork?
      • Already at court without having received legal advice?
        • If in Housing Court, ask to speak to attorney of the day (try to arrive early)
        • Do NOT sign any agreement without having an attorney review
        • If attorney of the day isn't available, ask court to grant a continuance (delay) to give you a chance to seek legal advice
      • A provision in the FY24 MA state budget, has made the RAFT eviction protection permanent. It requires courts to pause eviction proceedings for failure to pay rent if a tenant has a pending application for rental aid.
    • Eviction Technology Access Sites to help tenants remotely access their court hearings with internet and video-enabled devices during the pandemic.
      • Tenants may make an appointment in accordance with their court date through one of four organizations:
        1. Eliot Family Resource Center, 548 Broadway, Everett (Maple Ave entrance), 781-581-4750
        2. The Family Center 1367, 1367 Main St., Brockton, 508-857-0272
        3. Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF), 375 Common St., Suite 204, Lawrence, 978-332-7108
        4. The Lynn YMCA, 20 Neptune Blvd., Lynn, 781-581-3105
        5. At this writing, the Attorney General’s office is seeking an appropriate partner in Western MA (7/21).
      • More information: MA Housing Court FAQs - Court Operations and COVID.

Additional Eviction Resources and More Information

  • Resource/Navigation Assistance
    • MA 211 - staff are trained to navigate MA Eviction Diversion Initiative programs and refer appropriately. Leave message for call-back. Language capacity- can assist with 150 languages, voice mail prompts in Spanish. (For other languages advise helping patients to navigate voice mail prompts to leave a message)
    • Refer Boston Residents to: Boston Office of Housing Stability - email housingstability@boston.gov or call 617-635-4200
  • Reference/More Information
    • Brief explanation of rights (Massachusetts): Termination is the ending of a lease or a rental agreement and either the landlord or a tenant can terminate a tenancy. An eviction is the forced removal of a tenant from an apartment after termination, and can only be ordered by a judge. The landlord cannot evict a tenant without going through legal procedures. This applies to "tenants at will" as well as those with a lease. When a lease has expired a landlord must also go through the eviction process.
    • No fault eviction- when a landlord just wants the tenant to leave, perhaps the landlord wants to rent to a family membe
    • Eviction for Fault- some behavior on part of tenant is responsible for eviction
    • Tenant's guide to Eviction - Mass.gov
    • Boston residents: Boston Eviction Guide - boston.gov
    • Massachusetts Defense for Eviction (MADE) - free, self-guided online interview for tenants facing eviction and who have already received a court summons. It uses questions in plain language to help tenants prepare seven forms needed to defend against an eviction in court. For more information, see MADE- MGH Community News, April 2019.
    • Facing an Eviction - Mass Legal Help
      • The chapters below are from Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts, 2017. This handbook provides practical information about tenants' rights in private housing—housing that is owned by an individual or a privately-owned company.

 

  • Important: Eviction Records can Lead to Life-Long Rental Challenges
    • As soon as an eviction case is filed a tenant has an eviction record. Regardless whether they did anything wrong or were actually evicted, the mere fact that they were party to an eviction or housing case is being unfairly held against tenants when they try to rent a new place. Eviction records are publicly available forever regardless of the outcome.
    • Advocacy tip- tenants should carefully consider and balance their rights to stay housed until evicted vs. potential long-term difficulty renting and seek legal advice. Some advocates suggest that tenants may only want to enter the eviction process if they have a lawyer and a good case that is likely to end in retaining their current housing long-term.

 

  • Rights of Tenants with Disabilities (MA). Topics covered include eviction and reasonable accommodation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfLromwaYs&feature=youtu.be (25 min video.) Key points:
    • When being evicted for fault related to disability- when receive notice ask for a reasonable accommodation (change to rules/policy) or modification (change to the apartment). Example- if have child with autism and neighbors complain about noise, ask for soundproofing as a reasonable modification. If this is unsuccessful and you think the eviction is related to your disability consult the Disability Law Center at (800) 872-9992 or 617) 723-8455
    • If judge has decided that the eviction can proceed, tenant may ask for a stay of execution due to disability factors that may make it particularly challenging to find a new home. For example if need an accessible apartment since there are fewer of them may succeed in getting a stay granted. Typically stays are granted for weeks or maybe a month at a time (for those without a disability the maximum is 6 months; for someone with a disability the maximum is a year). A stay will not be granted if being evicted for nonpayment of rent or the tenant is at fault.
    • Emotional support animals are protected in housing. Need a doctor's letter that the person has a disability and the animal is needed for emotional support in order to overcome a "no pets" rule. Just claiming that you need the pet for emotional support is insufficient.

     

  • Eviction Storage - tenant rights regarding their belongings after an eviction.

 

Important Consideration- Eviction Records

  • Eviction Records can Lead to Life-Long Rental Challenges
    • As soon as an eviction case is filed a tenant has an eviction record. Regardless whether they did anything wrong or were actually evicted, the mere fact that they were party to an eviction or housing case is being unfairly held against tenants when they try to rent a new place. Eviction records are publicly available forever regardless of the outcome.
    • Advocacy tip- tenants should carefully consider and balance their rights to stay housed until evicted vs. potential long-term difficulty renting and should seek legal advice. Some advocates suggest that tenants may only want to enter the eviction process if they have a lawyer and a good case that is likely to end in retaining their current housing long-term.

  • Homeless Students' Educational Rights
    • McKinney-Vento Act (Summary below, but click link for details)
      The federal law that is designed to ensure educational rights and protections for students experiencing homelessness.
      • Key provisions: Students have the right to
        • Stay in their "school of origin" even if they move to another district. Homeless students have the right to stay in the school they attended prior to loss of housing, or to remain at the school in which they were last enrolled, unless the parent or unaccompanied youth chooses otherwise.
        • Receive transportation to their original school. School districts must provide or arrange transportation for students in homeless situations so that students can stay at their school of origin (up to one hour to and from), even if students move to a different city, county, or school district.
      • The Massachusetts Department of Education has ensured that all school districts have a Homeless Education Liaison. The liaison serves as the point of contact at the district level for all issues regarding homeless students and as the coordinator for district compliance with McKinney. For more information, call the Office of the State Coordinator at 781-338-3000.
      • Changes Effective 12/10/16 see: Changes to Education Transportation for Homeless Children- McKinney-Vento Act and Educational Rights of Homeless Students- New Flyer and Brochure
      • Additional McKinney-Vento Act information (2003)
    • See also: School Supplies

  • Roommate Legal Rights
    • Nolo Law for All
      Tenants who share rental housing have obligations and responsibilities to each other as well as the landlord. This website provides an overview of key legal issues involving roommates -- when they move in, want to add a roommate or leave.

  • Pet Policies - Renting with Pets
    • Tips for Renting with Pets: Advice for Apartment Hunters MA Animal Coalition
    • Best Friends For Life: Humane housing for animals and people
      Doris Day Animal League
      This guide contains info for disabled AND non-disabled persons living in both assisted and privately owned housing. It also includes "Pets in People Places," which is a resource to help residents and housing managers to craft a "pets welcome" policy that benefits both the animal and her/his guardian.
      Reference copy only. Available through the CRC (x6-8182).
    • Also see: our Service Animals page, including information on Psychiatric and Emotional Support animals

       

  • See Also: Legal Resources

    Homelessness Prevention Funds

      • Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) - RAFT, administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) (formerly the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development or DHCD), provides homelessness prevention funds in collaboration with ten partner agencies.

        Note: RAFT once again serves homeowners. Must be at least 3 months behind on mortgage.

      Patient Handouts from the CRC

       

          • Note: key changes for current FY24 (through 6/24)
            • "Stipends" are no longer available (more below- see What's New and Tips)
            • maximum benefit is now $7,000 and
            • RAFT again serves homeowners
          • Detailed reference materials:
          • Centralized Application for RAFT/ERAP/ERMA - all applications are now submitted to this central site: applyhousinghelp.mass.gov and then forwarded to the local RAA (Regional Administering Agency - e.g., Metro Housing Boston). Available in 8 languages.
          • Boston Residents see also: Boston Rental Relief Fund - those earning less than 50% AMI may receive up to 18 months in arrearages or ONE month of future rent up to $10,000. More info and details and application.

          • RAFT What's New and Tips:
            • As of July 1, 2023, RAFT is no longer paying stipends. Previously, if sufficient funds remained after paying overdue rent, applicants could request up to one month "stipend" (future rent). RAFT no longer pays future rent - only back rent.
              • RAFT may still be used for start-up costs for a new rental (e.g., first, last, security. RAFT does NOT pay broker's fees.).
            • Maximum Benefit for FY24 (as of July 1, 2023) is $7,000 in a 12 month period
            • Homeowners may once again qualify for RAFT - need to be 3 months behind on mortgage
            • Letter of Intent- Applicants who do not yet have a unit, can apply for RAFT and get a Letter of Intent that shows they are RAFT eligible. They then have 60 days to locate a unit, with one 30 day extension available. Prior to this change, to qualify applicants had to already have a unit under agreement. Given the common delays in RAFT application processing, landlords often wouldn’t hold the unit. Now applicants can show landlords paperwork that they are RAFT eligible (typically used for first, last, security deposit). 
            • For households applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required (as of 8/22).
              • At different times during the pandemic RAFT was able to provide assistance even if one was not behind on their rent and then for a while one only had to be one month behind, but currently requires a Notice to Quit or later stage in the eviction process.
            • A provision in the FY24 MA state budget, has made the RAFT eviction protection permanent. It requires courts to pause eviction proceedings for failure to pay rent if a tenant has a pending application for rental aid.

          • Eligibility
            • Income: Below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). (2022)
              • Funding requirements may give priority to those at lower incomes.
            • Must be HOMELESS OR have an ELIGIBLE HOUSING CRISIS that will render them homeless within 30 days (as determined by RAFT staff). Reasons (and required documentation) can include:
              • RAFT is once again serving homeowners (as of July 1, 2023) - must be at least 3 months behind on mortgage payments
              • For households with rental arrears: For households applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required.  Written documentation of rental arrears, demonstration of a financial hardship (reduction in revenue and/or increase in expenses) that caused the nonpayment of rent, and demonstration that payment of the arrears will allow the household to retain their housing.
              • For households facing eviction: Summary Process Summons and Complaint. Tenants who have a housing subsidy and are facing eviction due to non-payment of rent must also provide proof of financial hardship that explains cause for arrears in order to receive assistance.
              • For households leaving doubled-up housing: Letter from landlord or primary tenant explaining that the family must leave, OR documentation to demonstrate that the current unit is too small for the number of people residing there, such as, but not limited to, a letter from the landlord verifying the number of people and bedrooms in the unit. This must also include the address, date, and contact name and info of person writing letter. 
              • For households leaving unsafe housing: Documentation to demonstrate a serious health and safety risk that prevents the household from continuing to live in the unit, such as, but not limited to, a condemnation order from the Board of Health or a failed inspection report
              • For households leaving housing due to domestic violence: Documentation to support a domestic violence allegation connected to an inability to stay safely in current housing, or a self-statement from applicant
              • Fire/Flood/Natural Disaster: Report of Fire/Flood/Natural Disaster
              • Other crisis that will result in imminent housing loss: Documentation to demonstrate that the household will imminently become homeless within 30 days
              • For households facing utility shutoff: Current utility shutoff notice or verification that service has already been disconnected
            • Immigration status: Households do NOT need to have legal immigration status in order to qualify for RAFT. However, any applicant or household member who has been issued a Social Security Number must provide it.
            • If Enrolled in Other Programs
              • Households staying in DV shelter may be eligible for RAFT.
              • Households staying in Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter or terminated within the last 12 months are NOT eligible for RAFT.
              • Households staying in non-EA shelter may be eligible for RAFT.
              • Households already enrolled in the HomeBASE program or terminated within the last 12 months are NOT eligible for RAFT.

               

            • Benefits:
              • As of July 1, 2023, the maximum benefit is $7,000 (FY24) per family in a 12 month period (was $10,000 for FY23).
              • Program funds can be used for housing-related expenses only. Appropriate uses of funds include, but are not limited to:
                • Rental arrearages
                • Mortgage assistance
                • Start-up costs (first, last, security deposit) - but cannot be used for broker's fees
                • Moving costs (only applicable to households moving to new housing, and moving expenses should be reasonable and must be less than $5,000)
                  • Moving-related expenses may only be paid for one move per year per household, except when a subsequent move is caused by a direct threat to the household’s safety or a serious health condition of a household member that cannot be reasonably accommodated in the original housing arrangement.
                • Utility arrears
                • Furniture (only applicable to households moving to new housing, and furniture payments may not exceed $1,000 except in extraordinary circumstances the RAA may seek a waiver from EOHLC to exceed that limit)
                • Travel expenses are available to households who can resolve their housing crisis by moving out of state. RAFT providers should identify the most economical strategy to support an out-ofstate move. Start-up costs such as first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and security deposit may be paid for households moving out of state, but no ongoing assistance (such as a rental stipend) may be provided through RAFT on behalf of these households.

            • To Apply:
              • applyhousinghelp.mass.gov - all applications are now submitted to this central site and then forwarded to the local RAA (Regional Administering Agency - e.g., Metro Housing Boston).
              • Available in 8 languages.
              • Applicants without digital access can go to their RAA and staff will assist the applicant to complete the online form. 
              • Applicants can save their progress and check the status of their applications online without needing to call their Regional Administering Agency (RAA). They can check for outstanding documentation and monitor through the various stages in the process. 
              • Applicants have 21 days to complete and submit the application. The new portal will not allow applicants to submit the application until all documentation is uploaded. The hope is that this will reduce delays and applications that the applicant thinks is complete from being closed for lack of documentation. To further assist applicants to complete the application, the system includes automatic email reminders and status updates. 
              • Landlords can register once, upload their W-9 and payment information once and then reuse their stored information for other tenants. Landlord must register online, complete their part of application online and must have an active email address. If a landlord has no digital access, they can go to RAA and staff will help set up a free email address. If the landlord refuses to sign-up for an email address, their tenants cannot qualify for RAFT. A landlord’s failure to participate may constitute housing discrimination; we’d advise tenants to seek legal advice. 
              • User Guides: 
              • Troubleshooting - once the central app has been forwarded to local RAA (Regional Administering Agency) - contact the RAa:

               

            • More Information:

       

      • Boston Residents see also: Boston Rental Relief Fund - those earning less than 50% AMI may receive up to 18 months in arrearages or ONE month of future rent up to $10,000. More info and details and application.

      • HomeBase- For families who are eligible for EA Family Shelter. A Lift Up- Boston homelessness prevention program for low-income single mothers and their families who are at risk of losing their housing - MGH Community News, January 2018

      • Mass 2-1-1- Mass 2-1-1 offers assistance locating other potential forms of financial assistance and other help in the community by referring to local organizations. Dial 2-1-1 (in Massachusetts only) or call toll-free 1-877-211-6277. You can also perform an online search: www.mass211.org.

       

       Furniture Metro-Boston

      Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: Under One Roof - The Coalition's program provides household furnishings for disabled and elderly (65+) households within the 495 belt way. NOTE: This program is no longer active and will not be reinstated in the future (5/23/2022)   

      A Bed for Every Child - An additional Mass Coalition for the Homeless program that provides a new mattress, box spring and linens to needy school age children living in Lynn, Boston, Worcester, and Brockton.

      Referral Form

      Material Aid and Advocacy Program (MAAP) (formerly American Friends Service Committee: Materials Assistance Program (MAP))

      MAAP provides adult clothing, shoes, accessories, hygiene kits, survival kits, and housewares including linens, kitchenware dishware and small appliances. They do not carry furniture, children’s items or large appliances and are not able to provide monetary or transportation assistance. At the beginning of the school year they provide students of all ages with backpacks and school supplies.

      To refer:

      See the "Get Support" page to see the referral form and the instructions about how to refer.

      If a program, agency or organization is not currently working with them they ask that you please contact them before referring a client so they can learn more about your services and provide you with a brief introduction to their own.

      5 Longfellow Park, Cambridge MA 02138
      Contact: Cassie Hurd, Executive Director
      Phone: 617-876-5312
      Fax: 617-876-5309
      Email: churd@maapma.org

      Schedule an appointment: either the social worker or the client can schedule an appointment, by phone or email, with the Executive Director.

      Fresh Start Furniture

      16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749 Click here for directions to the store

      Phone: 508-485-2080 (Please leave a message) email: info@FreshStartFurnitureBank.org

      website: www.FreshStartFurnitureBank.org

      Open Tues & Thurs 9:00-12:00 and Sat 9:30-12:30 for clients

      Customer Policies There are links on this page to translate the document into Spanish or Portuguese.

      Click here to see an estimate of inventory

      Requires an agency referral

      MGH Social Service has an account; main campus Social Service Department staff may contact Ellen Forman or call (x6-5807) to be assigned a sub-account. Please include your name, phone and a password you'd like to use.

      OR search for a participating agency: FSFB: Agencies (freshstartfurniturebank.org)

      Project Home Again - 439 S. Union St., Bldg. 2, Lawrence, MA NOTE: as of 9/13/16 only accepts referrals from social workers who conduct home visits- home visit must be conducted for each client before referring. Social worker must register to refer. Once registered program will send a checklist to the social worker. Client must make an appointment and bring a letter of introduction (on letterhead, no photocopies), and bring a completed checklist. More information.

      Furnishing Hope- The Cambridge-based nonprofit Furnishing Hope provides furniture, home goods and professional delivery and moving services to families in need, free of charge. Accepts referrals from partner agencies: www.furnishinghopema.org/index.php/partners. (MGH is not a partner agency. While it is free to join, requiring only an application and training, they do require referring agency staff be present with client to accept delivery. If your service/program has such availability feel free to contact the program directly. )

      Household Goods, Inc.- provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.  An agency referral is required- some partner agencies: householdgoods.org/receive/agencies-we-serve/. The appointment is set up through the referring agency who coordinates with the client. The warehouse is in Acton and clients must bring their own truck to the appointment.

      See also: Couple Has Given Away 'Household Goods' — And Hope — For Decades- MGH Community News, April 2019

      Also check local Salvation Army, Good Will or thrift shops. Many locations carry furniture, home furnishings, and clothing.

      Cambridge residents: Furniture when available- every Thursday, Harvard Recycling & Surplus Services distributes surplus furniture, supplies, and equipment free to anyone in the local community on a first-come, first-served basis.  When: Every Thursday, 11 am–2 pm (except University holidays) Where: 28 Travis Street (156 Western Avenue for GPS purposes), Allston, MA (just east of Swissbakers). Website: https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/green-tip/free-furniture-supplies-equipment-harvard-recycling-and-surplus-center

      ReStore- A home improvement outlet that sells new and like-new building materials, appliances, kitchen cabinets, furniture and other home items at deeply discounted prices. Located in West Roxbury.  

      Other furniture resources - search MA 211/Help Steps - enter zip and city at left then at right click Goods > Furniture

      Other Areas of MA

      Statewide List of Furniture Banks - MA Coalition for the Homeless (Note: Project Home Again, included on this list, only accepts referrals from social workers who conduct home visits)

      Friends of the Homeless maintains a furniture bank and is located in Weymouth. Must call 781-331-9390 for the referral process and an appointment.

      Household Goods, Inc.- provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.  An agency referral is required. The appointment is set up through the referring agency who coordinates with the client. The warehouse is in Acton and clients must bring their own truck to the appointment.- MGH Community News, January 2018

      My Brother's Keeper provides furniture and household furnishings and is located in Brockton (towns served) . No referrals are necessary, and deliveries are made to the client. Call 508-238-7512.

      Project Just Because - Furniture Network - place to find or donate large items, such as furniture, bicycles, refrigerators, etc. Serving 128- Worcester area. Project Just Because also provides clothing, toiletries, gift baskets, career items, school supplies, blankets, toys, furniture, baby items, housewares, and additional special programs. 

      New Life- Provides furniture and household goods to individuals and families who are transitioning from a homeless environment and others that may not be able to bear the cost of furnishing a home on their own. Located in Walpole and a referral is required. Providers would need to complete a 20-30 minute onboarding training prior to referring clients. You can make an application to become a referrer by clicking here.

      Fresh Start Furniture Bank – 34 Tower St., Hudson, MA

      Provides free donated furniture and home goods to people in need. Clients must be referred by a registered agency (the Social Service department is one). Fresh Start Furniture Bank uses an online referral system. Please contact the MGH General Resource Specialist (ext. 6-8182) to set up a sub-account to make referrals.

      Agency Online Referral Information and How to Use Website

      Customer policies can be downloaded in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Please print and review with clients to help them understand how to utilize their the furniture bank's services.

      Also check local Salvation Army, Good Will or thrift shop. Many places often carry furniture, home furnishings, and clothing.

      Related - Also See: For air conditioners or other supplies for those with respiratory conditions see Asthma/Respiratory Illnesses.
      Moving Resources Solutions at Work Moving Up Program: Solutions at Work has suspended our Moving Up program as of October, 2015.
      Moving Up low-cost moving service will help those who are moving into affordable housing, moving out of a shelter, or those who are picking up furniture from the Mass Coalition for the Homeless furniture bank. Rates are approximately half of professional movers’ rates. Clients must be referred by a social service organization. They have limited funds to help some people cover the costs, and also offer information and referral to assist with finding other organizations that may provide funds.
      For more information or a referral form please see resources below or contact Solutions at Work 617-492-0300.                 
      My Affordable Moving - 617-212-3881. Charges flat rate for moves instead of hourly; claims to charge less for moving expenses than other companies. We received the contact information for this company from an AIDS Action referral—we have limited information.                      
      Also see:   Senior Move Managers- Elder Resources
    •