Since its inception in 2003, the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) has focused the efforts of a full-time attorney to assist the homeless living in MetroWest in obtaining permanent, sustainable housing and generating or maintaining income to sustain permanent housing. The attorney utilizes a holistic approach to serve individuals and families facing a variety of civil legal issues. This method has worked well with HAP clients due to the vulnerable and disenfranchised nature of this population.

The HAP attorney provides advice and representation to eligible clients on the following issues: 

• EA Shelter Eligibility – Denials and Terminations
• Subsidized Housing Eligibility (State/Federal aided public housing, vouchers)
• Public Benefits Eligibility – Denials and Terminations
• SSI/SSDI Eligibility
• Credit and CORI issues
• Chapter 7 bankruptcy
• Child Support Modifications

The attorney also provides regular outreach and access to the area's homeless shelters and acts as a reference to the network of homelessness agencies in the region.

HAP EDUCATIONAL ASSURANCES FOR HUD

MWLS-HAP Privacy Notice

Helpful Links

Information about Your Legal Rights

• www.masslegalhelp.org
  Massachusetts legal aid programs put together this website to help you find practical information about your legal rights.  For example, information about issues regarding housing, evictions, health and mental health, Special Education services, homelessness, immigration and many more areas.

• Basic Shelter Rights

General Resources

• DHCD’s EA Shelter/Housing Stabilization Information (Important for those looking for EA shelter) 
• Mass Resources on EA Shelter Eligibility
• Non-EA Family Shelter

General Homeless Resources in MetroWest

• www.smoc.org/
• www.unitedwaytri-county.org/
• www.framingham.com/org/salvarmy.htm
• www.eliotchs.org/www.advocatesinc.org/
• Homeless Shelter Directory in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
• EA DHCD/DHS Policy Materials- as complied by MLRI
• Open Table
  Open Table is a weekly community supper and food pantry program in Concord and Maynard, Massachusetts serving over 200 guests weekly, including many children. All are welcome - no questions asked!