With the U.S. Supreme Court reversing the CDC’s eviction moratorium Aug. 27, Cape Codders who are struggling to pay their rent are now at risk of losing their housing.
“At a time when COVID cases are rising and our homes are essential to our health and safety, it’s important that we do all we can to help people stay housed at this time,” said Housing Assistance CEO Alisa Magnotta said. “The good news is there is financial assistance available for COVID-impacted households. I’m proud that Housing Assistance is leading the state in the shortest average processing time for clients who have fallen behind on their rent and need support to remain in their homes.”
“Unfortunately, if people are evicted, there’s almost no place for them to move on the Cape. There is little to no rental inventory and with the current real estate market, purchasing a home is close to impossible for the average worker in our region,” added Magnotta. “It speaks to a larger problem on Cape Cod – the lack of affordable and attainable housing for our region’s workforce, families, young professionals, and seniors living on a fixed income. Each community on the Cape needs to double down on its efforts to build more affordable housing, encourage the building of Accessory Dwelling Units, and update zoning that allows multi-family properties in the appropriate locations.”
For help paying past-due rent or mortgages, residents can contact Housing Assistance at 508-771-5400 or hac@haconcapecod.org. There is an online application available on Housing Assistance’s website, www.haconcapecod.org, and in-person support is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its primary office at 460 West Main St. in Hyannis and on Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its satellite office at the Lower Cape Outreach Council at 19 Brewster Cross Road in Orleans.
