HAP Web Program Info
Program Description:
NSCAP’s Housing Assistance Program (HAP) provides assistance to families that are homeless or at risk
of homelessness so that they can increase their ability to maintain or obtain permanent, affordable
housing. Each family is assigned a personal housing specialist who completes a thorough assessment of
the family’s current housing situation and service needs. An individual service plan is created to address
family needs and goals and the following services are provided:
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Screening to determine the family’s eligibility for subsidized housing, and assistance in completing
applications
A local, regional, and statewide search for permanent housing
Advocacy with local housing authorities
Landlord/tenant mediation and counseling services
Assistance in prepation for Housing Court appearances
Community linkages with agencies and programs that can provide services and benefits
Follow-up and stabilization services for up to one year after placement
Access to NSCAP’s Housing Attorney for free advice and possible representation in court
Housing specialists also assist families with skill building, housing readiness, application procedures,
housing search, landlord leads, and translation services.
In addition to these services, NSCAP’s Tenant/Landlord Specialist provides information about the rights
and responsibilities of tenants and landlords to the general public.
Staff and contact information:
HAP Program Director:
Heather Pickard, MSW, LCSW
978-531-0767 x106
hpickard@nscap.org
NSCAP
98 Main St.
Peabody, MA 01960
If you are a family from the following locations which is homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact the
North Shore office of the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Monday through Friday, from 7am
to 5pm:
Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Salem,
Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Rowley, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham --(Families from other cities or towns should contact DTA to find out where their local DTA office is.)
DTA is located at:
35 Congress Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-825-7300
DTA will then determine eligibility for the program and make a referral. (See Program Eligibility below.)
Program Eligibility:
Families are referred to the program through the North Shore office of the DTA. To obtain a referral,
families must have children living with them or be pregnant to qualify and must meet asset and income
guidelines* to be approved for Emergency Assistance (EA).
*FY 2006 Income Eligibility Guidelines
Family size
1 (Pregnant Women)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Incremental
EA Eligibility
$1037.00/month
$1390.00/month
$1743.00/month
$2096.00/month
$2449.00/month
$2803.00/month
$3156.00/month
$3509.00/month
$ 353.00/month
Program Costs or Fees:
There is no cost. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) funds the HAP
Program.
Registration or Sign-up information (will there be an on-line or PDF form?)
On-line or PDF form not applicable; see “Program Eligibility” above.
Upcoming Programs and Events
N/A
Links – list any helpful links to other organizations or resources that your clients might want to
have
mahomeless.org (Mass. Coalition for the Homeless) - dedicated to addressing underlying causes of
homelessness, gathering statistics on homelessness and affecting public policy
homesforfamilies.org - a Massachusetts statewide social change organization dedicated to ending family
homelessness.
Job or Volunteer Openings
Volunteers are always needed to complete housing applications for parents who are disabled or illiterate.
Contact HAP Program Director if interested.
In Kind Donations needed
NA
Please send up to 10 digital photos of staff and clients (you must get written permission to use
photo on web site)
None on hand