ACTON – Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Community Services Coordinator Laura Ducharme are pleased to provide information on a new rental assistance program available for Acton residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are now being accepted for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program is funded through the town's proceeds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Acton residents who are at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible to apply.
Applications will be approved on a first come first served basis and can assist eligible renters impacted financially by COVID-19 through Oct. 15, 2021.
Grants issued through the program are to help with two months of rent, are based on unit size, and can be up to:
- $1,000 for 1 bedroom units
- $1,500 for 2 bedroom units
- $2,000 for 3 bedroom units
- $2,500 for 4 bedroom units
Applicants may also receive funds to help with rent that is already owed if they provide documentation from their landlord that they are in rental arrears.
Acton's median income is $101,050 for a family of four. Income limits for the program are based on household size, for example:
| Household Size | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People | 7 People |
| $70,750 | $80,850 | $90,950 | $101,050 | $109,150 | $123,350 | $133,400 |
Applicants must live in Acton, demonstrate that their household income has been reduced by circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demonstrate that they spend more than 30% of their gross annual income on rent and certain utilities.
Households that own real estate or get assistance from other local, state, or federal programs are not eligible.
The program is a one-time award, with funds paid directly to the applicant's landlord in one lump sum.
Grants will not be provided if rental units are not in satisfactory condition and free from health and safety hazards, and maximum rent limits apply. Rent limits are based on unit size:
- $1,826 for 1 bedroom units
- $2,205 for 2 bedroom units
- $2,726 for 3 bedroom units
- $2,990 for 4 bedroom units
The Regional Housing Services Offices will provide administrative support. Elizabeth Rust from RHSO created the program, and Elizabeth Valenta will serve as the program administrator.
For more information on the program, or to learn about other resources available for those in need, please contact the Acton Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or email Ducharme at: lducharme@actonma.gov.
To view or download an application for the program, please visit https://bit.ly/ActonERAP2021
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