Rental Assistance

The Chelsea Housing Authority is committed to providing affordable housing to our residents. Our rates were developed by the HUD and DHCD among other sources and are adjustable for most residents when income levels change. On occasion some residents, for a variety of reasons, may still need additional assistance. The information below changes on a regular basis so we encourage residents to do additional research or email info@chelseaHA.com for guidance if needed. We also ask that residents reach out to their property manager or program representative before applying for assistance. Rents may be able to be adjusted due to loss of income or certain unexpected expenses.

Assistance in navigating resources:

There are many ways to navigate all the resources for rental and other assistance. TND Connect and the Chelsea Collaborative both offer assistance in finding resources in multiple languages and will also assist in filling out the paperwork and navigating the systems.

TND Connect (617-889-1375)
Chelsea Collaborative (617-889-6080)

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

RAFT is the program the State of Massachusetts uses to assist families with rental assistance and other costs associated with displacement.

Under the RAFT program you may receive up to $10,000 in funding for rent or mortgage arrears, security deposits, or other expenses to help households obtain or maintain stable housing. You may qualify if your households income is up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), or 60% of AMI for people who are at risk of homelessness because of domestic violence, are eligible for assistance.

Many of our households will fall into this income category.

Please note that RAFT has updated guidelines and they will be looking for a notice to quit or an eviction ruling. They will also be looking for a narrative describing why the resident is unable to pay their rent. We suggest residents looking for assistance work with an agency like the ones listed above to ensure they are familiar with the rules of the newest updated program.

Apply online: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MetroHousingBoston1/RAFTApplication

Emergency Rental & Mortgage Assistance (ERMA)

If you do not qualify for the RAFT program, you may be eligible for the Massachusetts ERMA program. This program is available for households within the 50-80% range of Area Median Income (AMI). This program may provide up to $4,000 for eligible households to assist with rent or mortgage arrears accrued after April 1, 2020 and/or with upcoming rent or mortgage payments.

A few of our households, especially those participating in our FSS or SSP programs, may fall into this category.