Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)

Program Description

The AHVP Program provides vouchers for rental assistance to non-elderly handicapped persons of low-income who have been determined eligible and qualified for c. 667 elderly/handicapped housing. AHVP is administered locally by participating administering agencies, either a local housing authority or a regional administering agency. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Bureau of Rental Assistance has responsibility for regulatory and administrative oversight of this program.

How it works:

A program participant will pay rent in an amount equal to either 25% or 30% of the household’s monthly net income to the landlord. The percentage charged depends on whether utilities are included in the rent. The local administering agency will provide rental assistance payments to the landlord on behalf of the program participant for the remainder of the monthly rental amount.

Who is eligible?

Applicants who are non-elderly, less than 60 years of age, and who are eligible and qualified for the ch.667 elderly/handicapped housing program.

How to Apply

Applicants can apply by directly contacting any of the 24 issuing/administering agencies listed below. These agencies have received an allocation of AHVP vouchers for issuance. Eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Once an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list the applicant will be given a briefing on all aspects of the program; be issued an AHVP voucher for 120 days in which time they will have to search for appropriate housing. The AHVP voucher is only valid in Massachusetts.