Boston, MA – The Governor’s proposed cuts to the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs) in the proposed FY27 budget would have a significant impact on the critical services that Regional Housing Administrators (RHAs) provide to the community. The proposed FY27 cuts HCEC funding from the current level of $5.85 million down to $5 million, a substantial decrease for the second year in a row. Comparatively, HCECs received almost $9 million in funding for FY25.
The House Ways and Means are crafting their budget that will be released in mid-April. HCECs are grateful for the Legislature’s as they appeal for their assistance to restore this vital housing stability resource in the FY27 budget.
HCECs are a primary resource that is free and open to the public. HCEC staff at Metro Housing|Boston and other RHAs help families address crises, educate and assist tenants and property owners, and respond to constituent issues reported by elected officials. HCECs connect participants with resources including financial assistance, legal aid, housing search, and utilities, including helping families and seniors meet soaring utility costs to keep them safe. The cuts have forced HCECs to reduce staffing, close satellite location offices, and cut both in-person and phone support hours.
“These budget cuts mean less support for families facing urgent needs while demand continues to surge,” says Anne Marie Belrose, Executive Director of the Regional Housing Network. “The closures are causing more families to face long waits for critical housing assistance. A reduction of this magnitude would leave the most vulnerable families facing housing crises without the resources to remain stably housed.”
“I see every day how vital HCEC services are for the communities we serve,” said Mayerling German, HCEC Program Manager at Metro Housing|Boston. “Families facing eviction, seniors struggling to afford rent, and individuals experiencing housing instability rely on HCEC staff to help them understand their options and connect with critical resources. Without adequate funding, many residents may face significant delays in receiving the support they need during urgent housing crises. This is especially concerning for individuals who face language barriers or who may not have the skills or access needed to navigate online systems. Providing free, one-on-one assistance in person has been an essential lifeline for many members of our community.”
There are nine HCECs operating throughout the Commonwealth, including at Metro Housing|Boston, with several running satellite locations. During FY2025, the centers provided 222,438 services to 74,183 Massachusetts families.
About Metro Housing|Boston Serving more than 25,000 households annually, Metro Housing|Boston is dedicated to mobilizing wide-ranging resources to provide innovative and personalized services that assist families in avoiding homelessness, maintain housing stability, and achieve economic security. With more than 30 years’ experience piloting and implementing housing programs, it has solidified their position as an industry-leading expert on navigating the affordable housing field. Metro Housing|Boston is committed to making sure that every person in Greater Boston will always have a place to call home. For more information, visit www.metrohousingboston.org