Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP)

Program Description

Established in 1995, the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) provides vouchers for rental assistance to non-elderly persons with disabilities and of low income who have been determined eligible and qualified for c. 667 elderly/handicapped housing. AHVP is administered locally by participating local Administering Agencies, either a local housing authority or a regional administering agency. DHCD's Division 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 or not 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 old) with disabilities, of low income, and who are eligible and qualified for the c. 667 elderly/handicapped housing program.

How to Apply

• Applicants can apply online through CHAMP at www.mass.gov/applyforpublichousing. CHAMP is the easiest and fastest way to apply to both AHVP and Public Housing, and to make changes to your applications.
• If you prefer, applicants can submit a paper application instead by directly contacting any of the Issuing Agencies that have received an allocation of AHVP vouchers. The Issuing Agency will enter your application into CHAMP for you. See the Notices and Documents section on the AHVP webpage at www.mass.gov/service-details/alternative-housing-voucherprogram-ahvp for a copy of the paper application and the list of AHVP Issuing Administering Agencies.
• Applicants will be placed on a waiting lists that you choose. You may receive an electronic email or mailed letter confirmation
• Applicants may be contacted by MassNAHRO soon after to help you verify any priority and preference status you indicated. This will ensure that you are accurately placed on each waitlist.
• Once an applicant nears the top of an Issuing Agency’s waiting list, the Issuing Agency will contact you to determine your eligibility. You may be contacted by multiple Issuing Agencies if you near the top of multiple waiting lists at the same time. If determined eligible, you will be given a briefing on all aspects of the program
• During the briefing, the eligible applicant will receive an AHVP voucher which provides 120 days for you to locate and submit an appropriate unit located anywhere within Massachusetts. If you submit a unit outside of the Issuing Agency’s area, the Issuing Agency will automatically transfer your request to the Agency that administers AHVP for that town.