What do I need when I apply for shelter?

You need to give DHCD documents that prove who you are and that you live in Massachusetts. You also need to prove your income and show why you are homeless.

If you can give them all the documents they need, and you meet the rules, DHCD will find you “fully eligible” and place you in shelter.

If it looks like you are eligible, but you only have the documents that prove who you are and that you are a Massachusetts resident, DHCD must give you a temporary shelter placement called “presumptive placement.” If you get presumptive placement, you have 30 days to give DHCD the rest of the documents they need.