BROCKTON, KINGSTON, QUINCY, TAUNTON, NEW BEDFORD: NeighborWorks^® Housing Solutions (NHS; www.nhsmass.org), the leading housing service provider in southern Massachusetts, will hold a free New Bedford event offering in-person help in applying for RAFT/ERAP emergency housing assistance on Thursday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street in New Bedford.

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions is the Regional Administering Agency for Plymouth, Bristol and parts of Norfolk Counties, administering these programs for people in need of assistance with rent, mortgage, moving assistance, or utility arrearages across the region. 

Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are programs that provide eligible households short-term financial assistance that is used to help them keep their housing, obtain new housing, pay their mortgage, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless.  Households of any size and composition may be eligible for funding, and applicants do not need to be documented citizens to apply for assistance.

The event is open to tenants, landlords, homeowners, and advocates. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions staff will assist applicants in-person as they fill out an online application and answer any questions participants may have.  Other service providers will be on site to assist with the application process including: People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE), Community Economic Development Center (CEDC), and Catholic Social Services.  Multilingual staff will be available on site. No pre-registration is required to attend.

To apply, individuals should bring an ID that includes birthdate, recent proof of income, landlord email and phone number (for tenants), mortgage statement (for homeowners), and utility bill or shut off notice.  Masks are required and COVID protocols will be followed.

“Although we offer these services online, we know there is still a significant technology divide that impacts many.  Offering an in-person event allows us to meet people where they are, answer questions in real time, and help them apply for the assistance they need,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions.  “We are grateful for our many partnerships across the region and with the city of New Bedford.  This event would only be possible with their strong commitment, help, and support.”

Those who are unable to attend may still apply online at any time through the NHS website at https://nhsmass.org/.  The application is available in multiple languages. Households who do not have computer access may also call and leave a message on the NHS RAFT hotline at 781.422.4204.  NHS staff will respond and work to find a suitable application option for them.