Covid-19 Resources
Are you impacted by COVID-19 and having trouble paying for rent or mortgage? The State's Eviction Diversion Initiative has a common application for emergency housing payment asssistance, this includes the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) and other resources for renters, homeowners and Landlords.
The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners who have missed at least 3 home mortgage payments to help them avoid foreclosure. See if you are eligible and complete an application for HAF at massmortgagehelp.org.
If you live in Massachusetts, you can also call 2-1-1 for assistance and more information. (Click on blue text for links to resources).
If you are impacted by COVID 19 and need immediate assistance - CHAPA resource page provides detailed listings for assistance with rent, mortgage, shelter, food, legal aide and more.
Most local Boards of Health provide up to date information on COVID-19. Your Town’s website will be an excellent resource during this time.
Each Town's area of our website contains several sources of help and information, including:
- Finding out where and how to get food and medication delivered
- Getting emergency financial assistance with rent or utilities
- Other urgent resources or social service needs, including unemployment benefits
- New legislation on eviction and foreclosure moratoriums
- Volunteer opportunities
Keep in mind that due to the proximity of our member towns, some of the town-specific resources will overlap communities. If you don’t see what you need in your Town area of our website, check other nearby Towns for additional resources.
Below are general COVID-19 resources and information from various state and federal agencies specifically geared towards housing and affordablility.
RAFT Program - The RAFT Program is a homelessness prevention program funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) which provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families for housing expenses including rent, mortgage and HOA fees.
COVID-19 Affordable Housing Updates from Citizens Housing and Planning Association
MA Dept of Housing and Community Development COVID-19 Info
COVID-19 Resources from Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporation
MassBay United Way COVID-19 Family Support Fund
Greater Boston Legal Aid Website (English)
Greater Boston Legal Aid Website (Spanish)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a list of suggestions and resources
Housing Consumer Education Center offers resources for both renters and homeowners
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FOR RENTERS:
South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) rental housing assistance for Acton, Concord, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston residents
Metro Housing Boston Rental Assistance - rental housing assistance for Bedford and Lexington residents
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FOR HOMEOWNERS:
Federal Housing Finance Agency - Relief for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac mortgages
RAFT Program - The RAFT Program is a homelessness prevention program funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) which provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families for housing expenses including rent, mortgage and HOA fees.