Housing

The Supportive Housing Program combines housing with services for older adults and people living with disabilities. Through this program, Resident Service Coordinators are on-site in subsidized housing to help residents access community resources, arrange meals, plan social activities, and manage issues that arise—helping to foster a sense of stability and community. 

Overall, there are 61 Supportive Housing locations across the state that provide location-specific services to over 8,800 subsidized housing residents. 

Supportive Housing services are available to all residents that live in specific Supportive Housing Sites. Residents must apply directly to the housing owner in order to live in these properties. Supportive Housing eligibility is determined by each building owner.

Fill out our simple online form and get connected. Or, call us at 1-800-243-4636 and a call specialist can connect you. Call specialists are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

The Congregate Housing program includes services coordinators who work in specific shared housing situations to ensure a stable environment and foster a sense of community. Additionally, coordinators help residents access community resources, manage issues that arise from shared living, and help plan social activities. 

In Congregate Housing, residents have their own private bedroom and may share the kitchen, dining, and bathroom areas with other residents.

There are currently over 35 AGE Congregate Housing sites in Massachusetts that have the collective capacity to house approximately 470 residents.

To be eligible for Congregate Housing you must be either: 

Additionally, applicants must:  

Congregate Housing residents will also have to pass any screening criteria (e.g., criminal records, housing history, etc.) used by the housing agency to process applicants. 

Fill out our simple online form and get connected. Or, call us at 1-800-243-4636 and a call specialist can connect you. Call specialists are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) offer a residential setting for individuals who may need some assistance with daily activities while maintaining their independence. ALRs provide housing, meals, and personal care services tailored to meet residents’ needs in a community environment. Many residents choose ALRs because of the opportunities they offer for socialization, safety, and support.

There are more than 260 certified Assisted Living Residences across Massachusetts offering a range of services and amenities designed to promote dignity, choice, and community.

Visit here for more information and resources about Assisted Living Residences (ALRs).

ALRs serve adults who require assistance with activities of daily living but do not need the level of care provided by a nursing facility. Eligibility and application processes vary by residence and may include criteria such as: 

Interested individuals must apply directly to the ALR of their choice. Each residence sets its own pricing and admission requirements, and residents typically pay privately for assisted living. 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), sometimes called Life Plan Communities, offer a range of housing options and care levels within a single community—allowing residents to "age in place." CCRCs typically provide independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, so that residents can transition to higher levels of support as their needs change while remaining in the same community.

There are approximately 30 CCRCs in Massachusetts, offering a continuum of care.

Visit here for more information and resources about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).

Additionally, this guide explains more about CCRCs.

CCRCs are designed for older adults who wish to plan ahead for future health and personal care needs while living independently in a community setting. Each CCRC sets its own eligibility criteria and application process, but generally applicants must:

Interested individuals should apply directly to the CCRC of their choice. Each community determines its own contract options, services, and fee structures.

Older adults in Massachusetts have a range of housing resources available to help maintain stable, safe, and supportive living environments. These resources include public and private housing options, rental assistance, home care supports, and programs to help older adults age in place.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and other agencies offer programs and services that may assist with:

• Finding affordable or accessible housing.
• Preventing eviction and homelessness.
• Obtaining rental vouchers.
• Accessing supportive and congregate housing.
• Getting help with home modifications and in-home services.
• Understanding assisted living and continuing care retirement communities.

For a complete overview of these programs and guidance on eligibility, applications, and how to get help, please visit: Housing Resources for Older Adults in Massachusetts.

Visit the Affordable Housing & Home Modifications page for more helpful resources.