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The Advocacy & Benefits Office assists eligible individuals in making use of every support to which they are entitled. Staff coordinate efforts with whatever agencies and community resources are appropriate to secure housing, disability income, health insurance, food, clothing, legal aid, financial subsidies for the payment of utilities, health care, and the treatment of mental health or substance abuse issues.

The Advocacy & Benefits Office is supervised by an attorney. Cases other than those involving court representation will be handled by a trained advocate. The office can make arrangements to meet people with disabilities at an accessible location or at their home.

Service Descriptions

The Housing Advocacy Program has developed a data base of housing and benefits resources in the MetroWest area and has promoted a community outreach effort, by approaching landlords and other local providers that serve the homeless and the disabled. Program components include:


  • Identifying and securing permanent affordable, safe and secure housing units for the homeless individuals and families with mental illness

  • Assisting in accessing federal, state and local housing and income benefits

  • Aiding in locating other residential or service support programs when appropriate

  • Helping with moving, housing start up, budgeting and support during the first months of tenancy

  • Providing education on accessing and utilizing public housing subsidies to service providers and the individuals they work with

  • Working with landlords, housing authorities and service providers to resolve housing related issues that if unresolved, will lead to loss of housing unit and homelessness

  • Provide arrears funding to prevent eviction

  • Provide 1st month and security deposit money to increase housing voucher usage

  • Legal assistance with evictions, SSI and SSDI appeals, housing voucher denial

  • Negotiation services between landlords and tenants

  • Housing search assistance to individuals in institutions, treatment programs, jail

  • Bi-lingual housing assistance services to Hispanic community

  • Housing consultation services to churches, other service providers, and community centers

  • Assistance with mainstream entitlement applications

  • Case-management referrals to other services such as mental health, food pantry, vocational, physical care, furniture donation sites, and residential support services for skill development

  • Through a network of private donors and donor organizations, the Housing Advocacy Service will assist participants, on an as needed basis, in procuring furnishings, supplies, and other household items

  • Pre-emptive screening for Social Security benefits

 

For Questions about Housing:  (508) 271-0498
For Questions about Benefits:  (508) 661-0274

 

Eligibility & Fees
Advocacy & Benefits services will meet with you to determine your eligibility for services. If found eligible, the staff will assist you in filing applications, including gathering and submitting required documentation.

Our Services do not cost anything if you are eligible.
Nuestros servicios son gratuitos si usted es elegible.

If You Need Advocacy Assistance
Please call us at (508) 935-0746

Si necesita ayuda asistencia con beneficios
por favor llámenos al (508) 935-0746 para una entrevista.

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