Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT)

The RAFT program is funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and provides short-term, limited financial assistance for eligible families facing:

  • Eviction notice
  • Doubled up in a must-leave situation
  • Condemned housing that is no longer habitable
  • Foreclosure proceedings resulting in loss of housing
  • Severe overcrowding
  • Fire, flood, or other natural disasters
  • Domestic violence
  • Mortgage or rent arrears
  • Other crises that will result in loss of housing within 30 days

Not every household facing foreclosure or eviction is eligible for RAFT funds. The program is designed for families and individuals whose income is at or below 50% of the area median income with a percentage of funding targeted to those whose incomes are below 30% of area median income.  This funding is available to eligible Massachusetts residents, regardless of immigration status.

The quickest way to start the application process for RAFT Assistance is online by using our APPLY ONLINE NOW portal link.

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Eligible Uses for RAFT Funds

  • Rent, mortgage and utility arrears*
  • Rental stipends
  • Moving cost assistance
  • Help for families who must move but lack enough money to pay a security deposit, utility startup costs, first/last month’s rent, and furniture (no more than $1000 can be paid for furniture)
  • And more …

*For households applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required.

More Questions?

Contact us at raftinfo@NHSMass.org or call our RAFT phone line at 781-422-4204 with your questions or to request a callback. If you use our RAFT line, PLEASE leave your full name and phone number slowly and clearly and repeat your phone number to ensure that we can call you back!