Emergency Family Shelter in Boston and Massachusetts 2026–27: How EA Shelter Works Now
If your family is about to lose housing in Boston, or anywhere in Massachusetts, the state's Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter program is the main safety net for families with children and pregnant people. The program has changed a lot since 2024, with new residency, lawful-status and length-of-stay rules.
This guide explains who qualifies in 2026–27, how to apply, how long you can stay and what your appeal rights are.
Last checked October 2026. EA rules change often, so confirm current policy with the state's Emergency Family Shelter line.
Who Can Apply for EA Family Shelter
You can apply if:
You're a resident of Massachusetts
You're pregnant or have a child under 21
Your family's gross income is at or below 115% of the federal poverty guidelines
And the reason you need shelter is one of these:
No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation or foreclosure
You're at risk of domestic violence
A no-fault eviction
Your children are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk
The state regulation (760 CMR 67.00) also lists certain other eviction situations, such as nonpayment of rent caused by a documented medical condition, a diagnosed disability or certain documented income losses. A Homeless Coordinator decides whether your situation fits.
2026 income limits (115% FPG, gross monthly)
The state updated these on January 16, 2026:
1 person: $1,530
2 people: $2,074
3 people: $2,618
4 people: $3,163
5 people: $3,707
6 people: $4,251
7 people: $4,796
8 people: $5,340
Add $544 per additional person
Once you're in shelter, the income limit to stay is higher: 200% of FPG (for example, $5,500 a month for a family of four).
Documents and Requirements
Residency
Each family member 18 or older must prove they're a Massachusetts resident who intends to stay in the state. The state lists documents such as MassHealth registration and voter registration as examples.
Lawful status
Under rules adopted in 2025, each family member must have an eligible immigration status. However, the state's FAQ says that if a child in the family has eligible status, that satisfies the requirement for the family.
Criminal background check (CORI)
All family members 18 or older must sign a CORI acknowledgment form and complete a background check. Serious crimes identified in a CORI can make a family ineligible.
Full eligibility before placement
The state says families must generally be fully eligible, with documents verified and CORI results returned, before being placed. Temporary verification waivers may be granted in limited cases for Priority 1 families. Families are denied after 30 days if they don't complete documentation.
How to Apply
Call the Massachusetts Emergency Family Shelter Contact Line: 866-584-0653, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed weekends and state holidays).
A call center representative records your contact information.
If you want to apply, you're referred to a Homeless Coordinator.
The Homeless Coordinator helps you complete the application and checks whether you're eligible.
You can also apply online through the state's Housing Help Hub. If you apply online, you'll use the same portal later to request services or file an appeal.
How Long You Can Stay: The Bridge Shelter Track
As of December 15, 2025, the state says all families entering EA Family Shelter are eligible for the Bridge Shelter Track. Here's what that means:
Up to 6 months. If a unit is available, your family can stay in an EA shelter unit for up to 6 consecutive months from the date you were first placed.
If no shelter is available, you're put on the EA Family Shelter Contact List by priority number and work with your Homeless Coordinator until a placement opens.
Rehousing support. Families get help finding stable housing quickly, finding work and connecting to health care.
Hardship waivers. Extensions may be available depending on your family's situation. The state's six-month guidance describes the waiver rules.
The state says that if space becomes limited, it may add a Rapid Shelter track, with Bridge Shelter reserved for higher-priority families.
Shelter rules
You'll sign program rules when you enter shelter. They include arriving by curfew, spending every night at the shelter unless you have permission, caring appropriately for your children, no alcohol or illegal drugs, and no pets except service animals or animals allowed under the ADA.
Your Appeal Rights
If you disagree with a decision about your case, you have the right to a hearing with a Hearing Officer.
Deadline: You must appeal within 21 days of the date of the notice, or you won't get a hearing.
Notice: You'll get at least two days' notice of the hearing date, time and place.
Representation: You can bring a lawyer or anyone else as your representative, see your case file beforehand, bring witnesses and present evidence.
Interpreters: Request one on your hearing request, or call the Hearings Division at 617-573-1528 or 1-877-418-3308 (TTY 617-573-1140).
To file online, log into the Housing Help Hub, click "Resume," then click "Appeal" next to your application.
Reasonable accommodations
If you have a disability, you can ask for a reasonable accommodation at any time. Talk to your Homeless Coordinator or shelter staff, or email EOHLC's ADA coordinators at EOHLCeaada@mass.gov.
Tips for Boston Families in a Housing Emergency
Call 866-584-0653 as early in the day as you can, and keep your phone charged and on.
Gather documents now: IDs, children's birth certificates, proof of income, proof of Massachusetts residency, and any eviction, fire or condemnation paperwork.
Write down every date: when you called, who you spoke with and when you received each notice. The 21-day appeal deadline is strict.
If you're fleeing domestic violence, tell the coordinator. It's a recognized reason for shelter.
Ask about legal help if you're denied. Shelter providers and local offices can refer you to legal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for EA family shelter in 2026?
At or below 115% of the federal poverty guidelines to get in, such as $3,163 a month for a family of four. The limit to remain in shelter is 200% of FPG.
How long can a family stay in Massachusetts EA shelter?
Under the Bridge Shelter Track, up to 6 consecutive months from first placement, with hardship waivers available in some situations.
Do all family members need legal immigration status?
The state requires eligible status, but if a child in the family has eligible status, that satisfies the requirement for the family.
How do I apply for emergency family shelter in Boston?
Call the Massachusetts Emergency Family Shelter Contact Line at 866-584-0653, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or apply online through the Housing Help Hub.
What if I'm denied?
You can request a hearing, but you must appeal within 21 days of the notice.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Contact legal services for help with an appeal.
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