Contact

Amanda Wolfe, Housing & Land Use Planner
Housing Division | awolfe@westwoodma.gov | 781-251-2598

Emergency shelter provides a safe place for people experiencing homelessness or fleeing an unsafe situation. By entering a shelter, you may gain access to emergency housing vouchers, case management, and other services that you would otherwise not be eligible if you did not enter a shelter even if you are experiencing homelessness. Please note that most shelters have a waitlist. 

MA Guide to Housing Assistance

Families

Households with children under 21 and/or pregnant individuals have a right to shelter in Massachusetts through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).

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Emergency Assistance (EA) Emergency Family Shelter

There may be a waitlist, or Contact List, for family shelter due to immense demand.
Overview & Eligibility | What to Expect | Next Steps After Intake (Contact List)
Apply by calling 866-584-0653 (M-F 8AM-5PM) or going to EOHLC Housing Help Hub

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HomeBASE

Those residing in an EA Emergency Family Shelter, non-EA domestic violence shelter, or determined to be eligible for EA Emergency Family Shelter but still waiting placement automatically are connected to HomeBASE benefits that can pay rent, deposits, furniture, moving expenses, utilities, etc.

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Westwood Public Schools Student Services

Student Services ensures students experiencing homelessness are given their rights and services guaranteed by the McKinney-Vento Act, such as transportation and consistent schooling. 

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Westwood Youth & Family Services

Y&FS offers counseling and other supportive services for Westwood children.

Teens & Young Adults under 24

SMOC Common Ground Resource Center

Call 508-620-2690 Monday-Friday 8AM - 5PM

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TEMPO

Call 774-279-5557 anytime (24/7)

Individuals

(adults without children under 21/not pregnant)

SMOC & MA Balance of State CoC

There is no centralized shelter intake line for individuals or households without children under 21. However, the MA Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) facilitates the Coordinated Entry (CE) process connecting individuals experiencing homelessness - particularly chronic homelessness (12+ months) - to needed resources (permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, supportive services, etc.)

The MA Balance of State CoC is run by EOHLC and made up of member organizations throughout the region - including the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC). SMOC is based out of Framingham, but opened a satellite office at the SAFE Coalition in Franklin in June of 2024.

To make an appointment, contact:
Maxine Rose, CoC Housing Navigator (serves southern towns in the West region of the Balance of State)
SMOC - SAFE Coalition Office 
31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C
Franklin, MA 02038
508-620-2457

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Area Shelters

You can also contact shelters directly.
View a full list of statewide shelters.

Domestic Violence 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing domestic violence and would like to access a shelter and/or advocacy, call SafeLink at 877-785-2020 or contact a local domestic violence organization directly.

All housing providers are required by law to have a Emergency Transfer Plan under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in order to allow tenants to request an emergency transfer due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

Local Organizations

DV can impact many aspects of a person's life. Local nonprofits have the resources to provide comprehensive support, including legal assistance, shelter, advocacy, education, and housing search assistance. 

DOVE | Casa Myrna

Veterans

There is a strong support network for veterans experiencing homelessness. Veterans should contact Veterans Services. 

Pets

There are many resources for those facing housing instability with pets. Review your options.

Additional Town Services

The Town offers free services and public spaces that can be a safe space during a difficult time. 

• Westwood Public Library is open to all regardless of residency or if you have a library card for access to services, such as internet and printing. The Library parking lot can be used after hours and has WIFI accessible from outside. 
• The Council on Aging offers programming and services, including a public health nurse, social worker, food, and more, during business hours for those 60 years of age or older.