Emergency Housing Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the programs work? 

If you are found eligible, CMHA will pay your landlord directly. Funds will not go to you directly. Your landlord/lender must be willing to accept these funds and must provide documentation including W9 dated this year and proof of ownership of the property. You should notify them you have applied.

Am I guaranteed assistance? 

No. You must meet the eligibility criteria, and funds are designated annually and can run out at any time during the process, especially if you have applied with us for assistance within the last funding year.

How does the application process work?

Step 1: You, THE TENANT, must Apply Online

Step 2: Your LANDLORD/PROPERTY OWNER, must also submit a landlord application.

Step 3: Program staff will review your funds application and will contact you asking for further documentation, if needed. It is critical you provide all documentation promptly or you will be deemed ineligible.

Step 4: If found you are found eligible for the program and application is approved, payment will be made to your landlord. 

What if I need assistance applying (either language or technology help) ?

Email us at hc@cmhaonline.org or call us at 508-752-5519, ext. 172, to schedule a phone appointment.

What will I need to provide? 

• ID for Head of Household (Examples: a state issued driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport) 

• Proof of Current Housing (Examples: a lease, tenancy agreement, or tenancy at will agreement) 

• Verification of Housing Crisis (such as a Notice to Quit, an eviction notice, a utility shutoff notice, or documentation showing an inability to stay in your current home due to health, safety, or other reasons) 

• Income Verification. In addition, after you apply, we will need to verify your income. We will attempt to do this automatically through a data match with other benefits programs and will reach out to you to provide income documents if necessary. 

• Landlords will be needed to complete the process. Please reach out to your landlord/property management ahead of time. 

• Other documentation as deemed necessary 

Should I submit a new application if I do not hear back? 

No. This will slow down the process. 

Log in to your tenant portal to view the live status of your RAFT application:
https://applyhousinghelp.mass.gov/s/login/?language=en_US&LanguageCode=en_US

What if I’m moving?

An applicant can be found eligible before they locate a unit and will be given a Letter of Intent to provide landlords when searching for a unit.  

Tenants will have 60 days to locate a unit and can request an additional 30-day extension. 

When the tenant locates a unit, the tenant will need to log into their portal to finish the process. The landlord will need to complete the landlord application. 

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.

Apply Now

What to expect

Application processing can take several weeks and funds are not guaranteed. Please wait at least 10 business days before calling to check on your application. When calling, please leave your name, call back number and application number. We also have RAFT Application walk in hours on Tuesday 9:30am-11:30am and Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm.

• Email to hc@cmhaonline.org

• Fax to (508) 752-5009

• CMHA, 6 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609