NORTHAMPTON — A two-month extension of the federal eviction moratorium for renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic applies to most of Massachusetts, but not Hampshire and Franklin counties, where the case numbers remain low.
Even so, renters in the Pioneer Valley will continue to have sufficient avenues for continuing to make their rent payments and avoid facing eviction.
“It doesn’t look like this will have an impact locally, which is why we continue to push for more resources and greater protections in the Legislature,” said state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced in late July that the COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Initiative will include up to $100 million in emergency rental assistance through the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, up to $12.3 million to provide tenants and landlords with legal representation and $50 million for post-eviction rapid rehousing.
A bill signed by Baker also aims to help prevent evictions in cases where tenants are unable to pay rent due to COVID-19-related financial hardship through next April.
Both Sabadosa and state Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, are referring constituents having trouble paying rent to Way Finders in Springfield, the organization that administers the RAFT and Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) programs for Hampshire and Hampden counties.
Domb said in doing this, people may qualify for rental assistance, and having a pending application for assistance will pause any eviction procedures in Massachusetts.
“I think it will need a combination of funding to support people and ensuring that folks who face eviction have legal counsel,” Domb said
To this end, another effort to address evictions is legislation. House bill H.1436 would create a right in Massachusetts to legal counsel on housing and eviction issues. It is supported by the Massachusetts Right to Counsel Coalition.
“I believe this bill is the sensible way to level the playing field and support residents now and moving forward,” Domb said.
At Way Finders, the regional agency administering federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act and the previous COVID-19 relief package, renters earning up to 80% of the area median income can get up to 18 months assistance with rent.
“Massachusetts has significant resources to support tenants right now,” said Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way Finders.
Fairey said the federal eviction moratorium extension by President Biden and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helps draw attention to the continued challenges people are dealing with.
Way Finders is getting about 400 applications per week, many for rental assistance, some for utility assistance and others for mortgages and moving expenses. Landlords who own properties with 20 or fewer units can also initiate the process of getting assistance for their tenants.
People can apply on the website or in person at three offices, at 1780 Main St., Springfield, at 155 Pleasant St., Northampton, and at 267 High St., Holyoke, or with community partners such as Community Action Pioneer Valley.
Jodi Smith, Way Finders’ senior vice president of housing education service, said in addition to the financial assistance, two staff are in housing court daily to provide resources to people, many of whom are getting their first notices to quit from a landlord. Fairey said people who get these notices should realize this is just the first step in a process and they are not obligated to move out.
Way Finders offered about $30 million in support in the past year, with an average processing time of four to five weeks, though in cases of utility shut-off the action will be more immediate.
Meantime, Community Action has been working with Easthampton, Northampton, Hadley and Southampton officials on local programs to assist people living in rental units who have demonstrated economic hardship due to COVID-19.
Danna Boughton, Community Resources and Advocacy Program coordinator, said resource advocates determine the best options for applicants and whether these are suitable for paying rent that is owed.
The Easthampton program was recently renewed and Northampton’s will stay active through the end of the year. Amherst previously had a successful program that ended in June.
Anyone who is currently living in a rental unit in those communities can call 413-475-1570 to be screened for eligibility and to set up an appointment to apply, Boughton said.
While making rent payments is a worry, Sabadosa said her bigger concern for her constituents is making sure they are getting unemployment benefits. Lack of timeliness in collecting these is one of the main reasons rent payments are delayed. She has found a need to cut through bureaucracy.
“I am very, very concerned what will happen in September when extended unemployment benefits and pandemic unemployment benefits for the self-employed, gig workers, and part-time workers end, however,” Sabadosa said.
“While we keep hearing that there are many job openings, we also hear from constituents who cannot find work after applying for dozens and dozens of positions,” Sabadosa added. “The disconnect between the jobs available and the workers available could lead to a dangerous mix if the government does not take action before September.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
