Mass211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Massachusetts.
Official page: mass211.org
Find Help Near You in Massachusetts
Private help lines for Massachusetts, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Massachusetts who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local DTA office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Boston, the City of Boston Office of Housing Stability at 617 635 4200 helps renters facing housing instability. Ask what is open now.
Official page: boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. MassLegalHelp connects residents to legal aid offices across Massachusetts, such as Greater Boston Legal Services at 617 371 1234 or Community Legal Aid at 855 252 5342.
Official page: masslegalhelp.org, gbls.org, communitylegal.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (Fuel Assistance) helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Call the Cold Relief Heatline at 800 632 8175 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: mass.gov/info-details/help-paying-your-utility-bill
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below, or call 617 994 6000.
Official page: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination
What does MassHousing offer renters?
MassHousing is an independent, public agency that provides housing resources across Massachusetts. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. You can also search for affordable rental options on Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official pages below.
Official page: masshousing.com, housingnavigatorma.org
How do I find my local DTA office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the How to contact DTA page at mass.gov. You can also call the DTA Assistance Line at 877 382 2363.
Official page: mass.gov/guides/how-to-contact-dta
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Massachusetts
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
Local offices serve towns across the state for SNAP, TAFDC cash help and emergency support. The DTA Assistance Line is 877 382 2363.
Official page: mass.gov/guides/how-to-contact-dta
Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (Fuel Assistance)
Help paying home heating bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies. Sign up early as heating season opens. The Cold Relief Heatline is 800 632 8175.
Official page: mass.gov/info-details/help-paying-your-utility-bill
MassLegalHelp
Statewide legal information and referrals to civil legal aid offices across Massachusetts.
Official page: masslegalhelp.org
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
The state agency that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination
MassHousing
Information for renters in Massachusetts, including affordable housing listings and rental assistance resources.
Official page: masshousing.com
Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP)
Network of community action agencies across Massachusetts. Local agencies help with energy assistance, emergency needs, job support and Head Start.
Official page: masscap.org
City of Boston Office of Housing Stability
Front door to shelter, housing crisis help and eviction prevention resources for Boston residents.
Official page: boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability
City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs
Human service programs for Cambridge residents, including help for people facing homelessness.
Official page: cambridgema.gov/DHSP
Greater Boston Legal Services
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Greater Boston, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: gbls.org
Community Legal Aid
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Central and Western Massachusetts, including housing advocacy.
Official page: communitylegal.org
Worcester Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Community health programs, family support and referral services for Worcester residents. Visit the website to find the right office.
Official page: worcesterma.gov/health-human-services
City of Lowell Human Services
Local housing support, community referrals and assistance programs for Lowell residents.
Official page: lowellma.gov
City of Holyoke
Benefits, emergency help and community referrals for Holyoke residents.
Official page: holyoke.org
City of Lynn
Benefits, emergency help and community referrals for Lynn residents.
Official page: lynnma.gov
Fall River Health and Human Services
Benefits, emergency help and community referrals for Fall River residents.
Official page: fallriverma.gov
PACE Inc. (People Acting in Community Endeavors)
Emergency help, energy assistance and health access for New Bedford and South Coast residents.
Official page: paceinfo.org
Brockton Mayor's Office of Community Development
Benefits, emergency help and community referrals for Brockton residents.
Official page: brockton.ma.us
South Coastal Counties Legal Services
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands. Visit the website to find your office.
Official page: sccls.org
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Fall River
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in New Bedford. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call the DTA Assistance Line at 877 382 2363 or visit your local office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact South Coastal Counties Legal Services if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Massachusetts
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.