Access to Counsel Program

The Access to Counsel Program is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Housing, Boston Public Schools, Family Aid Boston, and Greater Boston Legal Services.

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The Access to Counsel Program aims to prevent evictions in eligible households with students enrolled in K-12 schools. Access to Counsel will provide full legal representation for the family at risk, early on in the eviction process. This support can be provided at the Notice to Quit or hearing notice stage.

The Access to Counsel Team will also coordinate other available resources to prevent eviction.

Mayor's Office of Housing

Housing Stability
617-635-4200
26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108
Monday through Friday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Eligibility and Referrals

For Boston Public Schools' Families (BPS): Households with students enrolled in BPS can access the program through their school’s BPS School-Based Homeless Liaison. The liaison will refer the family to Family Aid Boston, which will conduct an intake and assessment before connecting them with Greater Boston Legal Services.

For Non-Boston Public Schools Families: Households without BPS students can access legal help through other programs offered by the Office of Housing Stability. Call 617-635-4200 or email housingstability@boston.gov to learn more and get connected with resources.

Not Eligible for Access to Counsel?

Households at risk of eviction that do not have students enrolled in school are not eligible to use the Access to Counsel Program. However, you may qualify for assistance through other programs.

For eviction prevention assistance, contact the Office of Housing Stability at 617-635-4200 to access the legal clinic, mediation services, and other eviction prevention programs.

You can also explore the legal assistance options provided through Greater Boston Legal Services.