Emergency Housing Assistance

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Guidance

Important Emergency Rental Assistance Update -

The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) stopped accepting new applications on April 15, 2022. Households will still be able to apply for rental assistance from the more targeted, state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.

The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. RAFT provides qualifying households with up to $10,000 per household in a 12-month period, to preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent, as well as forward rent in limited situations. Renters or landlords can apply by submitting an online application.

RAFT does not serve homeowners. Homeowners may access mortgage and other assistance through the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF).

Free legal aid is available to assist low-income tenants with referrals, legal information, and legal representation for evictions statewide. More information is available here, or you can go to https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/ to find a legal aid program near you. Massachusetts Community Mediation Centers also offer free pre-court mediation between landlords and tenants for COVID-19 related lease disputes in addition to the summary process cases referred through the courts.

Click Here for more FAQs about ERAP to RAFT

Funds are available for people who live in or are moving to these locations. If you reside elsewhere, use this lookup tool to find your provider.

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What to expect

Due to unprecedented need during COVID-19, application processing can take several weeks and funds are not guaranteed. Please wait at least 5 business days before calling to check on your application. We will contact within that timeframe to do an intake and screening of the client and notify if we need any more documentation, as well as request landlord/property manager contact information.

Having trouble applying online?

The best way to apply is online. However, if you are unable to complete the application online, please email hc@cmhaonline.org or call 508-752-5519, ext. 172. Our staff will call back to assist you in the order your message was received. Note that it will likely take 5 business days to hear back due to high volume.

Email to hc@cmhaonline.org

• Fax to (508) 752-5009

• Mail to or drop off at CMHA, 6 Institute Road, Worcester, Ma 01609