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    Boston Center for Independent Living > Direct Services > Housing Workshops

    Housing Workshops

     

    A flow chart shows the different types of affordable housing options. Affordable housing is divided into section 8, and mixed income. Section 8 includes categories of mobile vouchers, and project based vouchers. Mobile vouchers include 2 Massachusetts vouchers (Disability AHVP and Family MRVP), and a federal voucher (HCVP). Project based vouchers include Public Housing (Local Housing Authorities) and Private (Property Management). Mixed income option includes income based lotteries.

    Housing Flow Chart

    BCIL offers Housing Workshops for those with disabilities the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10am-12pm. The workshops take place via Zoom and in BCIL’s Temple Place office and cover affordable housing options in the Boston area, how to apply for subsidized housing, and where to look for housing.

    Our workshops are run by knowledgeable staff and offer you time to complete Standard Department of Housing and Community Development Applications as well as ask questions about obtaining subsidized housing.

    This workshop will teach you about:
    • Types of housing available in the Boston area
    • Navigating subsidized and affordable housing
    • Conducting a housing search
    • Communicating with housing authorities, agencies, and landlords
    • Completing applications for state voucher programs
    • How to request reasonable accommodations for your disability

    Due to the high demand for housing search support, BCIL cannot meet individually with all consumers, complete applications for consumers, or mail applications for consumers.

    To register: email Jackie at jmcglinchey@bostoncil.org for the Zoom link & password

    BCIL staff are not realtors, and we will not accompany you to apartments for viewing or complete applications for you. The resources we use for housing search are publicly available, and we expect that consumers will be using them as independently as possible once given the appropriate support, knowledge, and skills. BCIL does not offer financial support for moving expenses, rental payments, or arrearages.

    In order to be successful in the housing search process, you have to take an active role. This means checking listings, calling to get applications, completing and mailing applications, and following-up with your advocate.

    (Note: If you already have a MRVP, AHVP, or Section 8 voucher, or if you are in the process of losing your home, contact BCIL to determine if these workshops are appropriate for you.)

    If you’ve already attended a Housing Workshop, take the survey below to let us know how we’re doing:

    Housing Workshop Survey