Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth (HFHGP) announces the launch of “Habitat Here & Now,” a new COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund as a result of a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
HFHGP took the initiative to launch this program in recognition of the significant, destabilizing effects that COVID-19 has brought to many residents in the community. This new emergency rent relief program is meant to help low-income individuals who have suffered job loss or wage reduction due to the pandemic and are having difficulty with rent payments.
Through “Habitat Here & Now,” the organization will provide $500 to $1,000 in one-time financial assistance for low-income renting households, for the sole purpose of rent relief. All funds approved through this program will be distributed directly to landlords by HFHGP.
The application process is open to residents (in a rented unit) in Plymouth, Carver, Kingston, Middleboro, Lakeville or Plympton and must be low-income qualified, according to HUD. A complete application is required, including documentation of current income level, proof of job/wage loss, and proof of residence. Applicants must have suffered job termination or wage reduction directly related to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis, but all applications must be received by July 22. Evaluation will consider greatest need, with special consideration to households with children or disability. Funds are limited and are expected to run out; eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applications can be downloaded at www.hfhplymouth.org/covidrelief.html. Completed applications and supplemental material can be emailed to support@hfhplymouth.org (Word, PDF or photos of pages acceptable).
Applications can also be mailed to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, PO Box 346, Carver, MA 02330. Applicants will receive notification of outcome within approximately two weeks. For a hard copy of the application, questions or more information, please contact support@hfhplymouth.org or 508-866-4188, ext. 240.
This grant, being made from the SouthCoast Emergency Response Fund, is made possible, in part, by a partnership with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund and many generous donors.
“Each and every day, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth is dedicated to the mission of providing decent, affordable housing in our community,” said Jim Middleton, executive director of HFHGP. “We are incredibly proud to offer Habitat Here & Now, and grateful to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts for allowing us to make this vital assistance possible.”
