On June 24, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a $1.1 billion COVID-19 response supplemental budget for FY2020 (H.4802).
The budget directs millions in funding to critical programs to support affordable and public housing, emergency rental assistance, emergency shelter, and homelessness prevention. It also expands Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and creates a COVID-19 response program, with expanded benefits for households impacted by the virus.
Housing News
June 24, 2020
On June 17, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration released its FY2021 Capital Investment Plan, which includes resources for affordable housing and community development programs. In a letter accompanying the budget release, Governor Baker wrote that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty related to the public health crisis, the FY2021 capital plan will focus on maintaining existing investments rather than pursuing new programs or funding sources.
June 19, 2020
Thank you to all those who have attended our regional meetings over the last few weeks. A special thanks to Bank of America for sponsoring these sessions and to all of our regional co-hosts for sharing their experiences and expertise!
Below you will find recordings and PowerPoints from our meetings as well as additional resources and materials.
June 18, 2020
On June 7, 2020, Governor Baker signed the COVID-19 data reporting law that allows for the collection and publication of certain COVID-19 data and creates a task force to understand the impact of the virus on underserved and underrepresented populations. Click here for a full summary of the data reporting law.
June 15, 2020
The decision making process on the expenditure of Federal funds through local cities and towns is unclear right now. Local advocacy is needed to get information about how federal funds are used in cities and towns and what process there may be for public input.
June 8, 2020
On June 7, Governor Baker enacted a COVID-19 data law with new reporting requirements for public and affordable housing for seniors and persons with disabilities. The law requires these housing providers to report any known COVID-19 cases or deaths among residents or staff to the Department of Public Health (DPH) and local boards of health.
June 8, 2020
Earlier this spring, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) announced funding awards for the annual Supportive Housing round.
June 3, 2020
We at CHAPA are outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and so many more.
We are outraged by the continuous harassment of black and brown people as they birdwatch, go for a run, or shop in a store - harassed as they go about their daily lives.
We are outraged by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black people, indigenous people, and people of color.
June 3, 2020
On June 3, the City of Boston announced it will make another $5 million available for its Rental Relief Fund, adding to the $3 million that it launched the fund with in early April. City officials received 1,600 applications during the first period of eligibility and so far have paid $680,000 in assistance to 210 households. To qualify for the assistance, a Boston household must have an income at 80 percent or less of the area median income, which is $90,650 for a family of four.
June 1, 2020
Two landlords have challenged the statewide eviction moratorium in court.