Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) supports households facing housing emergencies with help for rent, utilities, mortgages, and moving costs so they can stay housed or move to a new home.
Funder: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Due Dates: Within 21 days (matching tenant and landlord applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,000 per 12-month period
Summary: RAFT provides short-term emergency housing assistance for households facing eviction, foreclosure, utility loss, or other housing emergencies.
Key Information: Household income must be below 50% of local Area Median Income, or below 60% for households at risk of domestic violence.
Description
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) is an emergency housing assistance program administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. It provides short-term financial help so families can remain in their current homes or move to new housing when a crisis threatens their housing stability. This is household housing assistance, rather than funding for research or scientific work.
RAFT addresses eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Assistance can cover rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments. For tenants, support may include back rent or startup costs for a new unit, such as first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. Regional Administering Agencies manage applications and payments, with the Rental Assistance Processing Center also reviewing household applications.
