Page Reviewed / Updated - Apr. 2018
Among assistance programs for the elderly, the Massachusetts Supportive Senior Housing Initiative Program is nearly unique in its design. Also referred to as the Elderly Supportive Housing Initiative, this program provides assisted living level of care to elderly residents living in publicly supported housing. Instead of low income seniors with moderate care needs being forced into Medicaid-funded nursing homes prematurely, the state brings assisted living level care to public housing.
Two levels of support are provided through this program. All elderly residents in need receive certain assistance free of charge (included with their rent). A higher level of assistance is offered, which some residents receive free of charge (funded by other public sources), and others pay for, on a sliding scale based on their income. Details below. Similar to assisted living facilities, supervision and assistance is available around the clock.
To participate in this program, the person in need of care must currently reside in or move into a publically supported housing development in one of these communities:
Amesbury | Fitchburg | Peabody |
The Supportive Senior Housing Initiative falls under the Massachusetts Supportive Housing Initiative program, which is a collaborative effort between The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
To be eligible for assistance under the Supportive Senior Housing Initiative Program, the individual must be eligible for publicly supported housing for the elderly.
The value of one's assets is not considered an factor for admittance into this program.
In addition to the rent assistance provided to public housing residents, the Senior Supportive Housing Initiative offers the following services free of charge to all residents:
A higher level of services is available, but is only free based on meeting eligibility requirements determined by necessity and income. If eligibility requirements are not met, then these services are offered on a sliding scale:
The application process is managed at the community level. Those wishing to apply for the Supportive Senior Housing Initiative program should reach out to their local housing authority in the community in which services are being sought. Community locations are listed above and contact information for each local housing authority is available here. Some communities may have waiting lists for oversubscribed services.
For more information contact the Bureau of Housing Management at 617-573-1150. Limited information can also be found here.