Way Finders serves as the regional Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) for Hampden and Hampshire counties and administers emergency financial assistance programs such a Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) and other municipal assistance programs. These programs are designed for renters and homeowners of all household sizes to help prevent homelessness.
Renter households who resides outside of Hampden and Hampshire counties and you are looking for assistance, find your regional HCEC here.
The best way to apply for assistance is online. However, if you are unable to access or submit an online application, please contact 413-233-1600 or info@wayfinders.org for assistance.
For Renters
The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) stopped accepting applications on April 15, 2022. Households can still apply for rental assistance from the more targeted, state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.
The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. RAFT provides qualifying households with up to $7,000 per year to preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent, as well as forward rent in limited situations. Renters or landlords can apply by submitting an online application.
For Homeowners
RAFT does not serve homeowners. Homeowners may access mortgage and other assistance through the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF).
Free legal aid is available to assist low-income tenants with referrals, legal information, and legal representation for evictions statewide. More information is available here, or you can go to https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/ to find a legal aid program near you. Massachusetts Community Mediation Centers also offer free pre-court mediation between landlords and tenants for COVID-19 related lease disputes in addition to the summary process cases referred through the courts.
For Landlords
Landlords can begin the application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent. All adult household members must sign a Tenant Consent form in order for the Landlord to complete this process.
complete the online landlord application