This page corresponds to the blue section of the Housing Search and Application Grid.
The CHAMP is the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs. It is used to apply for:
- Site-based, state-funded apartments, including both family housing and housing for the elderly/disabled.
- Portable vouchers through the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP). These are only for adults with disabilities.
- Portable vouchers through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
- Site-based, state-funded apartments through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
A person with a disability can count as a family of one, and apply for a one bedroom unit in family housing in communities that have one bedroom family units. That same person could apply for a two bedroom unit if they need a live in aide. Bear in mind, the aide cannot be a close family member, or the income and assets of the aide will be considered in calculating both eligibility and rent amount.
Elderly/disabled housing reserves 13.5% of its units for adults with disabilities. It is generally not a good fit for someone who needs a live in aide, as almost all units are one bedroom.
While a person can apply for housing in any of the housing authorities that use the CHAMP, it is worth noting these housing authorities all use local preference. That means a resident of that community will have priority over a non-resident in receiving a unit or voucher. Resident priority usually extends to people who work (or volunteer) in a community even if they don’t live there. As a result, it generally makes sense to only apply for units in a community where you live, work, or volunteer. (If you live in a community without a housing authority, you should apply to a nearby community.) The exception to this rule of thumb is the AHVP and MRVP portable vouchers. In general, a person with a disability should apply to both portable voucher lists. Please note, you do NOT have to use a portable voucher in the community that issued it.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the CHAMP using a paper application.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the CHAMP online.
(Please note that nothing on this website is intended as legal advice, there is no guarantee the information provided is accurate, and using the information provided does not guarantee one will receive a housing voucher. For a complete legal disclaimer, please click here.)