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The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Last Updated
6 hours ago
About The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, located in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts (PHA Code: MA188), manages approximately 133 assisted housing units. These units are supported through various programs, including Section 8 vouchers, to assist eligible residents in the area.
Currently, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts is accepting applications for its Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) program and Public Housing program. Other housing assistance programs are also open for applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, however, is currently closed to new applicants. Income limits vary by program; for example, a family of four must not exceed $62,350 annually to qualify as Very Low Income within the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants should consult program-specific requirements before applying.
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Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Mainstream Section 8 program has the same qualifications as regular Section 8, with the additional requirement that applicants must be non-elderly (between 18-62 at initial lease-up) and have a long-term disability (physical, mental, or developmental).
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on the waiting list in order of application date and time, with specific preferences and priorities potentially impacting placement.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Bridge offers affordable housing units, which may include Public Housing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, with eligibility generally aligning with Section 8 requirements regarding income, citizenship, and background checks; residency preferences may be applied.
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2003
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The State Mass Rental Voucher (Project Based) program utilizes the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP).
Other Programs
10 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
This program is described as a 'closed referral'.
This program has 'limited funding available', suggesting it is not currently accepting new applications.
The website mentions completing a Section 8 application online, but does not specify if the waitlist is open or closed. However, other pages indicate closed programs.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Open Sky Community Services (The Bridge of Central Massachusetts) offers other housing support programs such as Emergency Solution Grant (limited funding available) and BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing (closed referral), and various Permanent Supportive Housing programs, but the general waiting list status for these is not clearly open for public application.
No current waitlist status information found for other housing programs offered by The Bridge of Central Massachusetts.
The website mentions several Permanent Supportive Housing programs (The Aurora, Moving Forward, ATARP, SCHAP) and indicates referrals are needed, but does not specify waiting list status.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
This program matches individuals with developmental disabilities (referred by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services) with providers willing to open their homes. Applications are for caregivers, not for individuals seeking housing directly through a waitlist.
The website lists various housing and support services for individuals with substance use challenges, including BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing which is closed referral. However, it does not provide general waiting list status for other substance use housing programs.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official The Bridge of Central Massachusetts portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
Check Current Status
The Bridge of Central Massachusetts currently has 4 open waiting lists (Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $62,350/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official The Bridge of Central Massachusetts portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. The Bridge of Central Massachusetts manages approximately 133 assisted housing units (133 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Worcester. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Worcester. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
other open
The other program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing closed
The BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Solution Grant closed
The Emergency Solution Grant program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Worcester. This program serves approximately 133 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Justice-Focused Housing and Support closed
The Justice-Focused Housing and Support program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other closed
The Other program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Housing Programs closed
The Other Housing Programs program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Permanent Supportive Housing closed
The Permanent Supportive Housing program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Worcester maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Shared Living Program closed
The Shared Living Program program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Substance Use Housing and Supports closed
The Substance Use Housing and Supports program at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts free?
How long is the wait at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
What are the income limits for The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
The Bridge of Central Massachusetts Income Limits
Income limits for programs at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $62,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,200 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 2 Persons | $29,950 | $49,900 | $79,800 |
| 3 Persons | $33,700 | $56,150 | $89,800 |
| 4 Persons | $37,400 | $62,350 | $99,750 |
| 5 Persons | $40,400 | $67,350 | $107,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,400 | $72,350 | $115,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $77,350 | $123,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $82,350 | $131,700 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to The Bridge of Central Massachusetts — including across state lines.