Overview
THRIVE is an innovative program launched in 2021 to address housing affordability and increase empowerment for households on Cape Cod. THRIVE supports workers in essential industries who are struggling to afford their housing due to the high cost of living on Cape Cod.
This program helps bridge the gap between housing costs and financial stability.
Who is Eligible?
Households must:
- Have at least one household member working in an essential industry, including childcare, disability care services, education and nonprofit workers.
- Meet income eligibility guidelines.
- Invest in working with a housing counselor on financial goals.
- Currently be paying more than 30% of their income toward rent.
- Be living in a unit governed by a written lease or rental agreement.
- Not currently be receiving rental subsidies through another program.
- Not be living in a housing unit owned by a relative, unless approved through admin review.
Supporters
THRIVE is proudly supported through a combination of donations from the United Way, United Way Board, and Bilezikian Family Foundation, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Overview
The Towns of Orleans, Brewster, and Yarmouth have committed rental assistance funds to households in their communities in need of support bridging the gap between housing costs and financial stability. Applications for those rental assistance programs are submitted through Housing Assistance’s THRIVE program and managed by the same team.
Brewster Rental Assistance Program
Brewster Rental Assistance Program
Through this program, approved households will receive monthly support of up to $500 per month based on eligibility. This may be renewed up to three years based on funding.
Households must:
- Live in the Town of Brewster.
- Be earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income.
- Invest in working with a housing counselor or case manager on financial goals.
- Currently be paying more than 30% of their income toward rent.
- Be living in a unit governed by a written lease or rental agreement.
- Not currently be receiving rental subsidies through another program.
- Not be living in a housing unit owned by a relative, unless approved through admin review.
The Town of Brewster Housing Trust is proud to sponsor the Brewster Rental Assistance Program.
Orleans Rental Assistance Program
Orleans Rental Assistance Program
Through this program, approved households will receive monthly support receive monthly support of up to $350 per month based on eligibility. The program is available for a 12-36 month period.
Households must:
- Live in the Town of Orleans.
- Be earning less than 100% of the Area Median Income.
- Invest in working with a housing counselor or case manager on financial goals.
- Currently be paying more than 30% of their income toward rent.
- Be living in a unit governed by a written lease or rental agreement.
- Not currently be receiving rental subsidies through another program.
- Not be living in a housing unit owned by a relative, unless approved through admin review.
The Town of Orleans Affordable Housing Trust is proud to sponsor the Orleans Rental Assistance Program.
Yarmouth Rental Assistance Program
Yarmouth Rental Assistance Program
Through this program, approved households will receive support of up to $6,500 over the next 12 months depending on eligibility.
Households must:
- Live in the Town of Yarmouth.
- Be earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income.
- Invest in working with a housing counselor or case manager on financial goals.
- Not currently be receiving rental subsidies through another program.
- Not be living in a housing unit owned by a relative, unless approved through admin review.
Eligible Uses:
- Past-due rent and not eligible for other funding programs (RAFT, Workforce).
- Severe Rent Burden: Monthly rent exceeds 50% of gross household income.
- Stipend may not subsidize below 30% of gross income and may not last more than 12 months from approval date.
- First/last months’ rent for new annual rental
Unit Eligibility:
- Current annual written lease agreement
- Confirmation that the rental unit is registered with the Town of Yarmouth
- Landlord must agree that assistance will continue housing for at least 6 more months from time of contract.
- Rent Reasonable Requirement: Rent is reasonable if within 25% of fair market rate for Yarmouth.
The Town of Yarmouth is proud to sponsor the Yarmouth Rental Assistance Program.
Program Benefits
Rental Assistance
THRIVE: Up to $450 monthly rental subsidy (also called a shallow subsidy) for up to 24 months paid directly to the landlord.
Town of Orleans: Up to $350 monthly rental subsidy for up to 36 months paid directly to the landlord.
Financial Empowerment
Work with a HUD-certified counselor to develop and implement goals to help you budget and save money.
Examples of Past Participant Goals
Decrease Debt
- Catch up on past-due rent/utility bills and begin paying on time regularly.
- Start paying down credit card debt and break the cycle of only paying minimum payments.
Improve Financial Health
- Improve credit
- Modify and establish a budget within current income
- Start a savings account
- Save for emergencies
- Continue my education
- Set up automatic deductions from my pay (even $1 per week)
Establish Housing
- Purchase a house (within 2, 5, or 10 years)
- Find a more affordable/secure rental home.
FAQs
What does a shallow subsidy mean?
A shallow subsidy is a fixed flat amount paid toward the household’s rent each month on behalf of the tenant. The tenant is responsible for paying the remainder of the rent each month. Unlike a housing voucher, the subsidy amount is not tied to the tenant’s income and any income changes that may occur.
What is an essential industry in this program?
Essential Industries currently include households that have at least one member working in Childcare, Disability Care Services, Education, or Nonprofit sector.
This does not apply to Town programs.
What goals can I work on with the Housing Counselor?
A Housing Counselor will work with eligible participants on individualized financial or housing-related goals. This may include starting or increasing a savings account, paying down debt, preparing for homeownership, and/or improving credit. Program participants set goals with a housing counselor during an intake meeting.
Do I need to work in an essential industry to qualify for town programs?
No, for town programs, residency is enough to qualify.
