COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response

The Housing Consumer Education Centers provide housing information and connections to resources. Our priority is to keep families and individuals stably housed during this uncertain time. We are trying to keep information as updated as possible, despite the current public health emergency. Each of the Housing Consumer Education Centers is housed within a regional administering agency that provides a broad spectrum of housing and related services. Below you will find information specific to those organizations. We are also collecting information and sharing any notices that we receive related to the COVID-19 emergency and posting them below.
  • COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, resources and policies are changing on a rapid basis.  We are updating this information regularly, but please check the individual organizations’ websites for specific contact instructions.  The information below applies to the member agencies of the Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts, the organizations that staff the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs).

The following information generally applies to all of the HCECs:
  • Each organization is attempting to manage emergencies by phone and/or email. 
  • Walk-in traffic and in-person appointments have been temporarily suspended.
  • Other activities, including workshops and inspections, may be cancelled or postponed. Check each organization website for specific details.
  • Ongoing critical functions such as issuing housing assistance payments (voucher payments to property owners for Section 8, MRVP, RAFT, and others) are continuing. 
  • Contact each organization by phone or email to find out how they are:
    • Processing applications for Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT)
    • Processing requests from rental assistance program participants who have lost income due to the impact of COVID-19
    • Handling requests for new leases and inspections from voucher holders

Click on this link to see listings of additional COVID-19 related resources.

 

As of March 30, 2020:
 

Berkshire Housing Development Corporation and Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority
Phone messages may be left at 413.499.1630 x100 (Linda) from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (413) 499-1630 x168 - For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance
Accepting HCEC requests online, through organization website.
www.berkshirehousing.com

Community Teamwork, Inc.
Resource Center and HCEC: (978) 459-0551- For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance email= COVIDResponseCTI@commteam.org
https://www.commteam.org/covid-19-emergency-response/

Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Please call the office (413) 863-9781 x150 - For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance or (413) 223-5204 - HCEC contact A. Watson
Hrs of operation 8:30am to 4pm
https://fcrhra.org

Housing Assistance Corporation
HCEC calls to (508) 771-5400 - For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance or email HCEC@haconcapecod.org
https://haconcapecod.org

Metro Housing|Boston
Contact (617) 425-6716 - For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance or by email at ResourceLine@metrohousingboston.org
https://www.metrohousingboston.org

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
HCEC inquiries to 781.422.4208, HCEC@NHSMass.org; RAFT inquiries to 781.422.4204 and For Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance. Click for  NHS RAFT Intake 
http://www.nhsmass.org

RCAP Solutions, Inc.
Please email: HCEC@rcapsolutions.org, documents can be faxed to: 508.365.6008
http://www.rcapsolutions.org/closing

South Middlesex Opportunity Council
All client inquiries to HCEC@smoc.org or call 508.872.0765
https://www.smoc.org/housing-consumer-education-center.php

Way Finders
HCEC inquiries to 413.233.1600; HCEC and RAFT assessments may be completed at www.wayfindersma.org/hcec-assessment
https://www.wayfindersma.org/way-finders-service-updates-response-covid-19