Overview
Housing Assistance has been the leading regional administrator for rent and mortgage assistance programs for decades. We administer rent and mortgage assistance to keep people safely housed across the Cape and Islands. Programs include RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition), Private Prevention, and the Workforce Housing Relief Fund.
Even if you’ve never qualified for public assistance before or had an increase in expenses or a decrease in income, you may be eligible for help. We will keep your application completely confidential, and our intake staff will help you navigate the process and determine your eligibility for federal, state, and privately funded programs we oversee.
Our staff works closely with external agencies and can direct you to additional support if needed.
Payments are made directly to third parties (landlord, mortgage company, or another vendor) on the client’s behalf.
Apply Now
We use a standard application form for all of the financial assistance programs we administer. Housing Assistance will match you with the most appropriate program based on your circumstances and needs. A case manager may ask you additional questions to help determine your eligibility.
You can complete your application online, which includes uploading all necessary attachments.
If you prefer to print the application, you can use the fillable, printable PDF below.
RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition)
This state-funded program provides payments on behalf of eligible clients to prevent homelessness. Eligible clients must demonstrate that the payments will stabilize their housing.
Program Benefits
Maximum benefit limit of $7,000 per household in a 12-month period.
Application Requirements
For renters applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is required.
Apply Now
We use a standard application form for all of the financial assistance programs we administer. Housing Assistance will match you with the most appropriate program based on your circumstances and needs. A case manager may ask you additional questions to help determine your eligibility.
You can complete your application online, which includes uploading all necessary attachments.
If you prefer to print the application, you can use the fillable, printable PDF below.
Workforce Housing Relief Fund
The Workforce Housing Relief Fund is privately funded to serve local, year-round residents who need help staying housed, but may not be eligible for government assistance due to their higher income level.
Who is Eligible?
- Eligible clients can make up to 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and must not be eligible for other state, federal, or local relief.
- The income limits below are for Barnstable County. (Nantucket and Dukes County AMIs vary).
- 1 person household up to $98,900
- 2-person household up to $113,000
- 3-person household up to $127,100
- The income limits below are for Barnstable County. (Nantucket and Dukes County AMIs vary).
- They must demonstrate a loss of income or increase in expenses that forced them to fall behind on rent or mortgage payments.
Program Benefits
Maximum benefit limit of $7,000 per household in a 12-month period.
Program History
The Workforce Housing Relief Fund was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve local, year-round residents who need help staying housed, but have more income than is allowed by eligibility guidelines of governmental programs.
Apply Now
We use a standard application form for all of the financial assistance programs we administer. Housing Assistance will match you with the most appropriate program based on your circumstances and needs. A case manager may ask you additional questions to help determine your eligibility.
You can complete your application online, which includes uploading all necessary attachments.
If you prefer to print the application, you can use the fillable, printable PDF below.
Private Prevention Funds
This fund can provide up to one month’s rent or mortgage to help keep a client in their home. There is no annual income limitation for this program. However, eligible clients must demonstrate:
- Loss of income or increase in expenses that have caused housing instability
- Do not have other resources to make the payment
- The payment will stabilize their housing
Apply Now
We use a standard application form for all of the financial assistance programs we administer. Housing Assistance will match you with the most appropriate program based on your circumstances and needs. A case manager may ask you additional questions to help determine your eligibility.
You can complete your application online, which includes uploading all necessary attachments.
If you prefer to print the application, you can use the fillable, printable PDF below.
