Every housing program has a different application and a different application process. In general, the housing application process goes like this:

1. Fill out an application
2. They put you on a waiting list
3. You wait
4. You call often
5. Your name comes off the waiting list
6. You go for an "intake interview"
7. They decide if they can help you
8. You move in!

An application is their way of getting to know who you are and what you need. The application will ask for:

• Name
• Social security number
• Address
• Date of birth
• Information about other members of your household who will be living with you (partner or children)
• Where you have lived for the last few years
• Verification of your HIV/AIDS status (this part of the application needs to be filled out by your doctor or nurse)

Since some programs cannot help everyone who needs assistance, they will have a waiting list. A waiting list helps them to figure out who’s next in line. Some programs have a waiting list according to when you apply ("first come, first serve"). Other programs will have a waiting list which first helps those who are homeless.

• Keep on looking for housing. The more you look, the better your chances of finding housing.
• If you move (even if it is for a couple of weeks), call the program and tell them where you will be. If they can’t get in touch with you when your name gets to the top of the list, they will go to the next person on the list. So every time you move, let them know.
• Call them every month and find out where you are on the waiting list. Ask them if they know how long it will be before your name comes off the waiting list.
  
  
  
  

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  AIDS Housing Corp. • 29 Stanhope Street • Boston, MA 02116 • (617) 927-0088