NeighborWorks® Housing Solutions , the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts, assisted more than 250 households at their free Brockton RAFT application event, which was held Friday, September 17, at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton and hosted in partnership with Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan.

The Rental Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT) financial assistance program helps eligible homeowners and renters by assisting with back mortgage payments, rent, utility bills, and other costs.  NHS is the only organization throughout southern Massachusetts that administers the state’s RAFT program.

Funds can be used for mortgage or rental arrears, security deposits and first and last month’s rent, and utility arrearages.

NHS’s multi-lingual staff members were on hand to answer questions and help tenants, landlords, homeowners and advocates complete the applications.  Households of any size and composition are eligible for RAFT funding, and applicants do not need to be documented to apply for assistance.

“We are grateful to have been able to help so many families and individuals at our recent Brockton RAFT event, and greatly appreciate the Mayor’s partnership in making this event possible,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions.  “Of course, the large turnout only underscores the incredible need that exists within our communities.  We hope to be able to hold additional events in other communities to provide better access to housing services for residents throughout southern Massachusetts.”