Emergency Housing Assistance

To learn more about the RAFT program, visit: Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program | Mass.gov

Click below for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the RAFT program:

·         Renter/Tenant/Advocate Reference Guide 

·         Landlord/Property Owner Reference Guide

For Landlords/Property Owners 

The RAFT application system requires both a tenant application and a landlord application for tenants who are requesting rental assistance. Landlords and property owners can (a) begin the RAFT application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent OR (b) complete the application once the tenant has submitted their application.

To begin the landlord/property owner application process, you must first register an account as a new user if you have not already done so here: User Registration (mass.gov)

***Your account must have info entered for the Payee, Properties, and Payment Methods            sections on your profile before you can apply.

Once a landlord/property owner has an account, you can apply here: Home (mass.gov) If your tenant has already completed their application at the time you are submitting the landlord application, be sure to include the Tenant Application Code that you received in your email. Note that the Tenant Application Code is different from their Case ID.

For more guidance on how to apply and create a landlord profile, please utilize this reference guide: Housing Assistance Application Reference Guide (mass.gov)

For a list of landlords’/property owners’ Frequently Asked Questions, visit: Landlord FAQs  download (mass.gov)

For other resources, including recordings of webinars about Landlord/Property Owner RAFT Application Portal, visit: RAFT Public Resource and Training Portal | Mass.gov

Income-eligible individuals and families, regardless of immigration status, who have lost income or seen expenses rise due to a hardship, including COVID-19, can apply for help using a secure online application. Funding is available to help with overdue rent or mortgage payments, short-term rent or mortgage stipends, and in some cases, moving costs (including first, last, security) through state programs, state, federal, and privately funded programs such as: 

• RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) 

• The Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program ended on December 31, 2021. Homeowners may be eligible for assistance through the Homeowners Assistance Fund. To learn more about eligibility, resources, and applying, homeowners can visit www.massmortgagehelp.org.

• City/town emergency rental assistance programs and private homeless prevention programs

Use this lookup tool to find your provider and additional resources near you.

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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.

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.

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