Housing Headlines

NEWTON --- The City of Newton is discussing combining $2 million in Community Preservation Act funds with $500,000 in federal Community Development Block Grants to create an emergency rental and mortgage assistance program in the wake of COVID-19. As reported by MHP in its rental assistance guidelines, the CPA statute does allow for funds for rental assistance.

BOSTON --- A new Boston Fed analyses outlines grim economic consequences for New England in the wake of COVID-19, including an estimate that 36 percent of renters and 18 percent of homeowners in New England are at risk of not being able to make their housing payment.

CHELSEA --- For many years now, The Neighborhood Developers of Chelsea has been a source of affordable homes and opportunity for Chelsea, Revere and Everett residents. The COVID-19 health emergency is the latest example as TND has shifted its entire operation to respond to the crisis with improved access, tenant services and providing crucial emergency funds through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors COVID-19 Fund.

HYANNIS --- The Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod has established a Workforce Housing Relief Fund to provide emergency assistance to residents who are having difficulty paying housing expenses due to COVID-19. The nonprofit is accepting donations and has raised $7,000 toward its goal of $10,000 by April 19. All funds raised between now and then will be matched.

LAWRENCE --- We Are Lawrence, the umbrella organization created to promote collective action and unite anyone who loves Lawrence, has used the COVID-19 health emergency to show how a comprehensive, accessible bilingual resource web page is done.

LOWELL --- Community Teamwork of Lowell has received $1 million in special funding from the state to help Merrimack Valley individuals and families who are in danger of losing their apartments or homes due to financial hardships caused by COVID-19.