COVID Eviction Legal Help Project: Let’s get it out there!

Please see this latest update on available legal assistance and please distribute widely! The COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP) was formed to expand the capacity of legal aid organizations in Massachusetts to provide urgently needed legal assistance in COVID-related eviction cases. The CELHP website allows organizations to provide referrals, along with guiding you to legal information and […]

Published in Resources on February 10, 2021.

Housing First by podcast: powerful series and primer

You may already be aware of this, you may already have listened. But if you have not, I am doing my part to ensure you have the chance. The podcast 99% Invisible produced this 5 part series on homelessness, based in California but applicable right here in Massachusetts. It is well worth the listen, whether […]

Published in Resources on February 3, 2021.

Community Legal Aid Resource Information

First a reminder: if tenants receive a Notice to Quit, they should call Community Legal Aid (CLA) at 1-855-252-5342 or apply directly for services here: www.communitylegal.org. For additional eviction prevention information, please go here (and note: the CDC Moratorium has been extended until at least the end of March, 2021). For families seeking Emergency Assistance shelter, […]

Published in Resources on January 28, 2021.

NEW RAFT Policy Guidelines HERE (more accessible for tenants!)

DHCD revised its RAFT eligibility guidelines to make RAFT more accessible in light of the extraordinary demand on this resource during these times. A one page summary is available here (and below) and the Powerpoint Presentation provides additional detail. Key policy changes include: Maximum benefit level increased. The new maximum benefit limit is $10,000 for […]

Published in Resources on January 14, 2021.

New Report: Best Practices for State and Local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

For our local communities providing rental assistance, this report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition offers some guidance: NLIHC’s newest report, “Best Practices for State and Local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs,” outlines key considerations for implementing an emergency rental assistance (ERA) program using the $25 billion for ERA in the recent COVID-19 relief package. […]

Published in Resources on January 14, 2021.

Home for All MA on New Eviction Protections; Community Legal Aid Resources

Please see this statement and summary from Homes for All MA Coalition on the new eviction protections. Please distribute! Also, thanks to Community Legal Aid for this presentation on the Eviction Diversion Initiative and COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP) which offers an excellent summary of available resources.

Published in Resources on January 8, 2021.

New Study: Housing First Saves Money and Provides Better Care

Thanks to the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance for this release: The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation released a research report in late December that confirms the effectiveness of supportive housing programs for chronically homeless individuals. The study examined Housing First programs administered by Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance and analyzed MassHealth claims data of program participants. […]

Published in Advocacy, Resources on January 6, 2021.

President Signs COVID Relief & Omnibus Spending Bill

Thanks to the National Low Income Housing Coalition for this update: President Trump signed yesterday, December 27, the bill passed by Congress last week to fund the federal government for FY2021 and to provide emergency COVID-19 relief, including $25 billion in emergency rental assistance and an extension of the CDC’s federal eviction moratorium through January […]

Published in Advocacy, Resources on December 28, 2020.
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