Central House

Welcome to Central House!

What is Central House?

Central is a 128-unit housing complex located within the Cambridge Family YMCA.  All 128 units are single rooms.  Residents share bathrooms, kitchen areas and common space.  Central House is an all Men’s substance free residence.  We have a zero tolerance policy in regards to consumption of alcohol and other substances.  Residents are expected to be courteous to all of their fellow residents.  Central House currently has a very diverse population, where many races, ethnicities, religions, traditions and beliefs are represented.

Central House is an excellent opportunity for any individual who is committed to moving in the right direction.  Residents are provided with affordable housing and are given the chance to establish a solid tenancy record.

AMENITIES

Central House has a full-time Resident Services Coordinator who is available to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have.  Our Management Office is open approximately 50 hours per week, and we also have a Maintenance Superintendent to keep the building looking great.  The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  The YMCA staffs the front desk during normal business hours, and a security guard is on duty in the evening.  Residents are allowed to have guest every Saturday and Sunday.  All Central House residents are given the option of receiving a 50% discount on a membership to the YMCA health facilities.  Central House’s third floor features a community room with a large television and small kitchen area.  Coffee hour and movie night are weekly occurrences at Central House.

LOCATION

Central House is conveniently located in Central Square across the street from City Hall.  Harvard Square is within walking distance, along with a variety of stores, shops and restaurants.  The MBTA’s red line is also located in Central Square, making many areas of Cambridge and Boston fully accessible to the residents of Central House.

ROOM BREAKDOWN

Rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, lamp and dresser.  Of the 128 rooms within Central House, 23 are market rate rooms.  35 are taken off the waiting list of the Cambridge Housing Authority.  The remaining 70 rooms are filled by independent providers who maintain their own waiting lists and have their own criteria for housing.  If you feel you may be eligible for housing through one of the providers, please contact the management office and we can refer you to the appropriate agency.

ELIGIBILITY AND AVAILABILITY

In order to be eligible to live at Central House, you must be a male, age 18 or above with an income of at least $20,000 per year and no more than $35,340 per year and you may not be a full time student.  If you meet these requirements, you are welcome to come in to our office and fill out an application for our waiting list.  Our waiting list is currently 3 to 5 months long.  If your income falls below $20,000 per year, please contact the Cambridge Housing Authority and explore possible assistance that they may be able to give you.  You may fill out an application in person Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 pm or give us a call and we would be more than happy to mail you an application for housing.

The Central House is NOT available for short term stays. 
Click here for a list of affordable housing alternitives in the area.

Professionally managed by S-C Management Corporation, AMO
Central House
820 Massachusetts Ave
Central Square
Cambridge, MA  02139
Phone:  (617) 876-4626
Fax: (617) 876-4619