Housing Stability

Housing stability is being able to find and maintain stable, safe, and affordable housing. It is a key component of financial security and overall health to all members of a household. Below are resources for both renters and homeowners. For help purchasing and rehabilitating a house, see the Homeowner & Landlord Resources page.
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Rent & Utility Assistance for Renters

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) is a short-term financial assistance to low-income families, couples, and individuals who falling behind on their housing payments or are at risk of becoming homeless. This program is funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and can pay for moving cost assistance, rent, utility arrears, rental stipends, mortgage arrears, and utility bills. The income limits are up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For more information and to make an appointment at the Northampton office, go to Way Finders website.

DHCD is funding other resources administered by Way Finders, such as the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) for renters, homeowners, and landlords to help them through payments of mortgages and rents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The income limit for that program is between 50-80% AMI. For more information, see Way Finders website. 

Legal Resources for Renters

MassLegalHelp is a great resource to educate and support people who are searching for housing, facing foreclosure or eviction, or are experiencing homelessness. Other resources on their site include tenants rights, housing discrimination, and checklists for tenants before a move-in. A by topic list of laws in Massachusetts regarding renters, homeowners, foreclosures, evictions, and many other topics can be viewed on the Mass.gov website. 

Housing Search for Renters 

The Housing Navigator website is a state funded and an easy to use search for affordable housing across the state.

Mortgage & Utility Assistance for Homeowners 

Mortgage payment forbearance for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured borrowers has been made available. For more information, please contact your mortgage servicer (who you make payments to). If you cannot contact them, you can get help from a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency by dialing 800-569-4287 or by searching on the HUD website.