Permanent Supportive Housing

For more information, see Permanent Supportive Housing on MassResources.org.

What is permanent supportive housing?

Permanent supportive housing is affordable rental housing with support services for low-income or homeless people with severe mental illness, substance abuse, or HIV/AIDS. There are different types of permanent supportive housing, including furnished single room occupancies (SROs), group homes, subsidized Section 8 apartments, and shared living arrangements.

Am I eligible?

Permanent supportive housing is for adults who are low-income or homeless, and have severe mental illness, a substance abuse problem, or HIV/AIDS. For most programs, you must be eligible for MassHealth and/or Medicare, and have a referral from the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Developmental Services, or the Department of Public Health.

What benefits will I get?

Permanent supportive housing offers safe, low-cost long-term housing in the community, and support services to help residents live healthy, independent lives. Support services depend on the needs of the residents, but usually include health care, education, independent living skills, social support, transportation, 24-hour emergency services, referrals, and job training programs.

What are the costs?

You will pay no more than 30% of your income for permanent supportive housing. Case management and support services are included at no additional cost if you meet program eligibility requirements.

How do I apply?

Most people who apply for permanent supportive housing have a referral from a transitional housing program, a homeless shelter, or the Department of Mental Health (DMH) or other state agency.

If you do not have a referral, you can apply for permanent supportive housing on your own. Several Worcester agencies have information about permanent supportive housing programs:

• Community Healthlink
  72 Jaques Ave., 2nd floor
  Worcester, MA 01610               Map and directions
  Telephone: 508-860-1000
  Web site: Community Healthlink Services

• Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance
  6 Institute Road
  Worcester, MA 01609               Map and directions
  Telephone: 508-752-5519
  Web site: CMHA Continuum of Care

• AIDS Project Worcester
  85 Green Street
  Worcester, MA 01604               Map and directions
  Telephone: 508-755-3773
  Web site: AIDS Project Worcester

• Genesis Club
  274 Lincoln Street
  Worcester, MA 01605               Map and directions
  Telephone: 508-831-0100
  Web site: Genesis Club Housing Programs

• The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
  4 Mann Street
  Worcester, MA 01602               Map and directions
  Telephone: 508-755-0333
  Web site: The Bridge - Supported Housing

More information:

More information about Permanent Supportive Housing is on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.

•  Go to Permanent Supportive Housing on MassResources.org