Comprehensive Housing List

Housing & Homelessness Assistance

North Shore Community Action Program – Housing & Homelessness Prevention: 978-531-0767

  • services Beverly
  • Community Outreach Program consists of services to assist disabled chronically homeless individuals by assisting with housing search, rental startup costs, and short-term subsidies

Action Housing Services: 978-282-1000

  • Services Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester, and Rockport
  • Housing support consists of help with eviction notices, court summons, and landlord/tenant disputes, help applying for affordable housing, rental & mortgage assistance, and utility bill assistance
  • Action owns several affordable housing sites, including an emergency shelter
  • Housing first program helps those experiencing chronic homelessness

Wellspring – Housing & Homelessness Prevention: 978-281-3558, contact@wellspringhouse.org

  • Services NorthShore communities
  • Family Shelter and Homelessness Prevention programs
  • Wellspring’s Homelessness Prevention Line: 978-281-3221 Ext 311

Beverly Bootstraps: 978-927-1561

  • Services Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Hamilton, & Wenham
  • Case Management Team that helps with connecting individuals to community resources and services such as housing

Housing Consumer Education Centers

  • Regional Agency: Community Teamwork 978-459-0551
  • Answer wide range of questions about all types of housing problems
  • Can help with applying for RAFT & subsidized housing

Council on Aging: contact your local COA Outreach Worker to see if they can assist

  • Beverly: 90 Colon St, Beverly; 978-921-6017
  • Essex: 17 Pickering St, Essex; 978-768-7932
  • Gloucester: 6 Manuel F Lewis St, Gloucester; 978-281-9765
  • Hamilton: 299 Bay Rd, Hamilton; 978-468-5595
  • Ipswich: 25 Green St, Ipswich; 978-356-6650
  • Manchester: 10 Central St, Manchester; 978-526-7500
  • Rockport: 58 Broadway, Rockport; 978-546-2573 (by appt only on Tuesday)
  • Topsfield: 8 West Common St, Topsfield; 978-887-1523
  • Wenham: 10 School St, Wenham; 978-468-5520

Housing Search

Housing Navigator MA

  • Search for income-restricted rentals from all over Massachusetts
  • Shows properties with upcoming lotteries and openings, units with immediate occupancy, and properties with short waitlists

Low Income Elder Law/Resources for Housing Issues

MA Senior Legal Help Line: 800-342-5297

  • The Helpline is a project of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Boston who provide free legal information (eligibility criteria needs to be met) and referral services to Massachusetts residents who are 60 years old or older.
  • Call the helpline Monday – Friday from 9am-12pm.
  • Legal services law types include but are not limited to: Foreclosures, Utilities, Bankruptcy, Housing

Northeast Legal Aid: 978-458-1465

  • Apply online or call 978-458-1465 Monday – Thursday 9am-12pm
  • Provide free legal services to low income and elderly residents of Essex County and Northern Middlesex County. There are no financial eligibility requirements for these applicants: seniors (age 60 and older) and Victims of crime and survivors of homicide victims who have a legal problem related to their victimization.

Essex County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: 978-741-7888

  • Submit an online referral or call 978-741-7888 to speak with a representative for a free, 30 minute consultation. The representative will assist you in choosing the appropriate attorney who will help you with your specific area of law.
  • Maintain a reduced fee panel of attorneys. If you are a low income client, please call and inquire about this service. Proof of household income is required

Northeast Housing Court – Salem Sessions Court Lawyer for a Day: 978-500-5790

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

  • Provides short-term emergency funding to help with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.
  • RAFT provides up to $7000 per 12-month period so families can stay in their current home or move to a new one. Funds can be used for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments.
  • Apply online or contact your local RAA
  • You may be eligible for RAFT if:
    • You’re at risk of homelessness or losing your housing (ex: you received a Notice to Quit or an eviction notice; you’re behind on your mortgage; you received a utility shutoff notice; or you can’t stay in your home due to health, safety, or other reasons)
    • Your income is less than 50% of your city/town’s Area Median Income (AMI)
    • Your income is less than 60% of your city/town’s AMI AND you are at risk of domestic violence

Tenancy Preservation Program

  • Homelessness prevention program that works with tenants facing eviction as a result of behavior related to disability (MI, IDD, substance use, aging related impairments)
  • Works as neutral party between landlord and tenant in consultation with the Housing Court
  • Violation must be connected to the tenant’s disability to be eligible for program

Housing Options

Housing Authority – SC catchment area

  • Rockport: 978-546-3181
  • Gloucester: 978-281-4770
  • Manchester: 978-526-1850
  • Essex: 978-768-6821
  • Hamilton: 978-468-3981
  • Wenham: 978-468-1532
  • Ipswich: 978-356-2860
  • Beverly: 978-922-3100
  • Topsfield: 978-887-8407
  • Apply via CHAMP website: https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/
    • You can apply to as many cities/town as you would like – you will get preference for the city/town you currently live in. Only check off the cities/towns you are interested in.
    • You can also submit paper application & mail into housing authority Download Documents – CHAMP (state.ma.us)
    • You can use the CHAMP website to check your waitlist status
  • Rent is calculated based on 30% of someone’s income
  • Housing priorities/preferences will go to those who are:
    • Homeless due to no fault on your own
    • Have serious illness caused by current housing/housing prevents you from getting care needed
    • Experiencing an abusive situation
    • Veterans – need to submit DD214 form
    • Currently reside in town applying to
  • Once you near the top of the waitlist, you will be contacted by the housing authority who will mail paperwork that needs to be sent back.

Supportive Housing – SC catchment area

Beverly

Gloucester

  • McPherson Park, Application through Gloucester Housing Authority

 Subsidized Housing – SC catchment area

  • Many cities & towns have private, subsidized housing for older adults and adults living with disabilities. You need to fill out a separate application for each site aside from Harborlight Homes which has one application that allows you to check off which properties you are applying to.
  • Some calculate rent based on 30% of someone’s income while others may charge more

Beverly, MA

Ipswich, MA

Rockport, MA

Topsfield, MA

  • Washington Meadows: 92 Washington St
    • Call 603-836-5680 (East Point Properties) to apply

Alternative Living on the North Shore

Harborlight House: 1 Monument Square, Beverly

John J. Meany Senior Affordable Housing: 71 Middle St, Gloucester

Sutton Home for Women: 7 Sewall St, Peabody, MA

  • For women only
  • Amenities/services: 24 hour staff, 3 meals/day, utilities, med reminders, and laundry & HM services for $3,075/mo (as of Feb 2025)
  • Contact: 978-531-0815
  • https://suttonhomeforwomen.com/

Girdler House: 78 Lothrop St, Beverly, MA

VA Housing

Pleasant St Apartments: Pleasant St, Beverly, MA

Bedford Green: 200 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA

Howard House: 890 Belmont St, Brockton, MA

Veterans Home at Chelsea: 91 Crest Ave, Chelsea, MA

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Single Room Occupancy

Gloucester: Affordable Housing — YMCA of the North Shore (northshoreymca.org)

  • Cape Ann Community Housing (YMCA) : 67 Middle St Gloucester
    • Need to come from a homeless situation and contact the Gloucester Housing Authority to apply at 978-281-4770.
    • Rent is subsidized and depends on income

Beverly: Affordable Housing — YMCA of the North Shore (northshoreymca.org)

Congregate

 Vouchers

  • Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
    • MRVP is a state program offering rental assistance in the form of vouchers to low-income families (similar to Section 8). The vouchers take 2 forms: tenant-based (mobile) or project-based. For either voucher, residents will pay at least 30% of their net monthly income towards rent. Income limit is 80% of area median income.
    • Individuals, families, people with disabilities and elders are all eligible for MRVP.
    • Tenant-based or mobile vouchers can be used for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code. The amount is limited based on the your voucher size and zip code.
    • Project-based vouchers are tied to specific housing units. The owner rents these units, and residents receive voucher payments for as long as they continue to live in the unit.
    • Apply through CHAMP https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/
  • Housing Choices Voucher Program (Section 8)
    • Helps families with low income by paying part of their rent. Applications must be mailed to a Regional Administrating Agency.
    • Eligibility depends on household’s total gross income based on Median Family Income estimates and the Fair Market Rent for areas around the country. More information can be found here: Income Limits | HUD USER
    • HUD calculates the value of the voucher based on the cost of similar units in the same area. However, the Section 8 program does not set the amount a landlord charges for rent. Residents generally pay 30% of income toward rent while HUD will pay part of the rent directly to the landlord.
    • Apply online: com/masscwl
    • Paper application: DHCD-Mass-Pre-Application

Shelters

Action: 370 Main St, Gloucester

Riverhouse: 56 River St, Beverly

Lifebridge: 56 Margin St, Salem

Recuperative Care Center: Lynn

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Units – North Shore

Difference between independent living, assisted living, and memory care units:

  • Independent living: for those who need minimal supports
  • Assisted living: for those who require physical assistance and and/or medication management
  • Memory care: for those who have been diagnosed with dementia and need specialized memory care

What is included with most independent living, assisted living, and memory care units:

  • 3 meals per day
  • Weekly housekeeping and laundry services
  • Transportation
  • Activities & events
  • Assisted living and memory care units offer personal care and medication management – may or may not be included in the cost

How much does it cost:

  • Cost varies from each facility but a typical monthly cost may be $6,000 – $10,000+ per month
  • Cost is dependent on the size of your apartment (studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, or shared suite)
  • Cost is also dependent on the type of living (independent, assisted, or memory care) and level of care needed (personal care)

How to pay for independent living, assisted living, and memory care units:

  • Monthly income whether it be Social Security, a pension, or some other income
  • Retirement savings
  • Assets from the sale of a home
  • Long term care insurance
  • Life insurance policy conversions
  • VA Aid and Attendance
    • If a veteran is eligible for a pension, he or she is also eligible for the Aid and Attendance program, a benefit that is paid to the veteran or surviving spouse in addition to a monthly pension. This tax-free money can be used to pay for long-term care in a senior living community or on assisted living for service members and their spouses when they cannot pay for these services themselves
    • Aid and attendance maximum benefit can be pursued and differs depending on if the veteran is single, married, or if the surviving spouse is applying – the benefit can range from $1,100-$2,000/month

Additional information on searching for ALFs:

Amesbury, MA

Elizabeth Calsey House: 15 Elizabeth Street

Beverly, MA

The Herrick House: 89 Herrick Street

The Current: 1 Essex St

Danvers, MA

Brightview Danvers: 50 Endicott Street

Atrium at Veronica Drive: 1 Veronica Drive

Benchmark Senior Living at Putnam Farm: 9 Summer Street

Charter Senior Living of Danvers: 220 Conant Street

Seasons of Danvers: 44 Summer Street

Ipswich, MA

The Residence at Riverbend: 149 County Rd

Newburyport, MA

Atria Merrimack Place: 85 Storey Ave

Avita of Newburyport: 4 Wallace Bashaw Junior Way

Peabody, MA

Brooksby Village Continuing Care: 100 Brooksby Village Drive

Harriet & Ralph Kaplan Estates: 240 Lynnfield Street

Sunrise at Gardner Park: 73 Margin Street

Salem MA

John Bertram House: 29 Washington Square

Salisbury, MA

Assisted Living Center – Salisbury: 19 Beach Road

Swampscott

The Residence at Vinnin Square: 224 Salem Street

Bertram House of Swampscott: 565 Humphrey Street

Assisted Living Facilities That Offer Affordable Rates

**There are likely additional ALFs that offer affordable units, though many do not advertise this. It is best for the consumer/family to contact any ALFs they are interested in and explore financial options with the ALF.

Assisted Living Center – Salisbury: 19 Beach Road, Salisbury

  • Contact 978-463-9809
  • https://assistedlivingcenter.org/affordability/#inquiry
  • Includes:
    • Private room & bathroom
    • 3 meals per day
    • Weekly housekeeping and laundry
    • personal care services and medication management
  • Participate in MA subsidy program through MassHealth PACE and SCO. Medicaid coverage for personal care services may be available if you meet clinical and financial guidelines.
  • May be eligible for SSI-G, which is a supplemental Social Security program that could increase your monthly Social Security income to help you afford the monthly room and board payments if meet certain financial guidelines.

Prospect House: 420 Reservoir Ave, Revere

  • Contact 781-853-0005
  • pdf
  • Offer Low Income Housing Tax Credit for those under certain gross income limits. Rent is determined by HUD and ranges from $1,800-$1,929 as of 2026.

The Residence at Pearl Street: 75 Pearl St, Reading

 (updated June 2026)

SeniorCare Inc., Gloucester, MA USA
SeniorCare Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All contributions made to the agency are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. SeniorCare Inc. and its programs are funded in whole, or in part, by contracts with/or grants from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence and other funding sources.