Housing and Homelessness
Below you will find various resources regarding housing and homelessness. People who are unhoused are at higher risk of health complications and trauma during public health or natural disaster emergencies. The spread of communicable disease is more difficult to manage without reliable access to hygiene facilities or a safe home, and living in crowded shelters can put people at even higher risk. Help is available.
Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate danger, and leave the location immediately if you do not feel safe with the person.
Call Boston 3-1-1 or Mass 2-1-1 or visit https://mass211.org/ for assistance
Mass 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mass 211 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.
Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277)
For more information about homelessness and COVID-19, visit:
Unaccompanied homeless youth are youth under the age of 21 experiencing homelessness and are not in the custody of their parent or legal guardian. Homeless, at-risk, and runaway youth are especially vulnerable right now. If you are a youth experiencing homelessness, you can get help at Mass 2-1-1 or Boston 3-1-1. Other supports and resources include:
Bridge Over Troubled Waters Boston Area Homeless Youth Survival Guide: Click here to download
Contacting Your School: While closing schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is an important step to protect public health, it creates challenges for youth who depend on the supports their school provides. Reach out to your school to get information about food and resources they may be able to provide.
Youth Homeless Shelters and Programs
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: (617) 423-9575, 47 West Street in Boston, with more information at the following link https://www.bridgeotw.org/gethelp
Y2Y Harvard Square: (617) 864-0795, 1 Church St in Cambridge, https://www.y2ynetwork.org/
Be Aware of Possible Exploitation: Homeless youth are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Youth can find information by click here to download at: (NEED TO FIX BROKEN LINK) https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c9a6c6a12b2be00012725d9/t/5db880966b1e7419b5e32ef3/1572372635460/Peer-to-Peer.pdf
Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance Resource Guide for Homeless Youth and Young Adults: (NEED TO FIX BROKEN LINK) https://www.mhsa.net/sites/default/files/2012%20YARG%20Final%20Version.pdf