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.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Open Sky Community Services (of which The Bridge of Central Massachusetts is a part) accepts online applications for Section 8, which likely includes Project-Based Vouchers.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online, Mail, In-person

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts provides affordable housing through state-aided public housing programs, with applications processed via the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP), which considers income, family status, and U.S. citizenship.

other Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 1, 2003

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The State Mass Rental Voucher (Project Based) program utilizes the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP).

Other Programs

9 programs

These 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.

BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing
Closed

Described as a 'Closed referral for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder or a history of overdose; linked through Residential Rehabilitation Services and coordinated with Substance Use Services.'

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Emergency Solution Grant
Closed

Described as 'limited funding available.'

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The page mentions 'Section 8' and provides a link to complete the application online. However, it does not explicitly state the waitlist status (open/closed) for Section 8 (HCV). Given the context of other programs being closed or having specific referral processes, and no explicit mention of an open waitlist, it is assumed to be closed or not actively accepting general applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Justice-Focused Housing and Support
Pending

This is described as a category of services for individuals involved with the criminal justice system. Specific programs within this category (e.g., 'Moving Forward', 'Behavioral Health Justice Involved (BHJI)') have referral processes or are diversion programs, but no general waiting list status is provided.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

No specific waiting list information found for Mainstream housing programs administered by The Bridge of Central Massachusetts.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Other
Pending

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts offers various other programs such as supported housing and shared living, but specific waiting list statuses are not publicly detailed.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Other Housing Programs
Pending

Open Sky Community Services (formerly The Bridge of Central Massachusetts) provides various specialized housing and homelessness services, including Emergency Solution Grant, Permanent Supportive Housing, and supported housing for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. Specific public waiting list status and application details for these programs are not explicitly provided.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Pending

While Permanent Supportive Housing is mentioned, and specific programs like 'The Aurora', 'Moving Forward', 'Aggressive Treatment and Relapse Prevention (ATARP)', and 'South County Housing Assistance Program (SCHAP)' are listed, there is no information about the general waiting list status for Permanent Supportive Housing. Some programs have specific referral processes (e.g., DMH referral for ATARP).

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts is listed as administering RAD programs, but specific waiting list status is not publicly available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

HCV Closed Mar 30, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 19, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 17, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 16, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 3, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 28, 2026
other Opened Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official The Bridge of Central Massachusetts portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 4 Mann St
City Worcester, MA 01602
PHA Code MA188
Section 8 Units 133

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • 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

1

Check Current Status

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts currently has 3 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official The Bridge of Central Massachusetts portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

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

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.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. The Bridge of Central Massachusetts administers 12 programs (PBV, Public Housing, other, BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing, Emergency Solution Grant, HCV, Justice-Focused Housing and Support, Mainstream, Other, Other Housing Programs, Permanent Supportive Housing, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 4 Mann St, Worcester, MA.
How long is the wait at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
Wait times at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts depend on demand in Worcester, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 133 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 30, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact The Bridge of Central Massachusetts directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, including Auburn Housing Authority (3 mi), Shrewsbury Housing Authority (4 mi), Worcester Housing Authority (4 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
You can reach The Bridge of Central Massachusetts by phone at (508) 755-0333. Their office is located at 4 Mann St, Worcester, MA 01602. You can also email them at kbates@openskycs.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for The Bridge of Central Massachusetts?
Income limits for The Bridge of Central Massachusetts are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $122,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $62,350. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $122,200 Effective April 1, 2025
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.