Housing FAQ
Our Housing and Homelessness Prevention team welcomes you to contact us with questions, but as a starting place, you might find some answers here to help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get into an ABCD scattered site shelter or any shelter?
A: Contact the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) at 617.573.1370. All placements are made through DHCD. We do not determine which families get into the scattered site shelter that we manage.
Q: Do you have funds for move-in cost or rental assistance?
A: No, we do not have the funding to assist with move-in and start–up costs.
Q: Do you have emergency housing?
A: If you are homeless and need housing, please contact the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities at 617.573.1370.
Q: Do you have apartments available?
A: ABCD does not own or manage any apartment units. We help clients conduct a housing search and set up viewings for publicly marketed housing.
Q: Do you have case managers/management for housing?
A: No, but we have housing counselors who assist with housing searches and may be able to answer your housing questions.
Q: Can you help me pay my past due rent?
A: Our agency does not have funding for rental arrearages, but you can meet with an ABCD housing counselor to review other funding possibilities.
Q: What type of legal services do you provide?
A: We do not provide legal services or legal representation. If you need legal assistance, contact Greater Boston Legal Services at 617.371.1234.
Q: Can you help me with a housing search even if I live in a shelter? No one in the shelter is assisting me.
A: Unfortunately, we cannot duplicate services that another organization is already providing you. If you’re not receiving the guidance you need at the shelter you reside in, please contact the shelter director.
Q: Are there costs involved with any of these services?
A: There are no costs associated with ABCD Housing services. However, please keep in mind that if you receive our services, you’ll likely face costs associated with housing search such as moving costs and a security deposit. We will try to connect you to resources that may be able to assist with these costs.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: For Boston, call 617.348.6347 and for Malden, call 781.321.3431. All clients must complete a screening first,. After your screening is reviewed, if you qualify for ABCD services, an ABCD staff member will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Q: Do you provide coats or warm clothing to the homeless?
A: For children’s essentials, we have a partnership with Cradles to Crayons, and for adults, please contact our nearest neighborhood location, where we can connect you with resources and referrals.
Q: What other ABCD services might I benefit from?
A: If you become an ABCD client, you may be eligible for a range of services including fuel assistance and energy saving programs, immigration services, Head Start and Early Head Start, and free tax preparation assistance. Services may differ in Boston and Mystic Valley (residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, and several surrounding towns). See ALL SERVICES in our main navigation. They’re also prominently displayed on our homepage. For services available in Mystic Valley and all ABCD locations, please see the map on the homepage.
