LYNN — Lynn United for Change is reminding all tenants who are struggling with overdue rent or utility bills to apply for assistance by Friday as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is set to expire on April 15.
As of 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Massachusetts residents will no longer be able to apply for the federally-funded ERAP program. This will drastically cut financial assistance from the state to the residents who struggle to pay rent or utility bills, according to Lynn United for Change, a community group that fights for social and economic justice and the human right to housing and is a part of Homes for All Massachusetts.
Tenants still have time to apply by Friday by filling out an online application even if they have to provide some of the required documents at a later date. A social-security number is not required to apply, tenants can qualify regardless of immigration status, and an eviction notice is not needed.
Lynn residents may contact Lynn United for Change for assistance with the application at 781-346-9199 or visit www.LynnUnited.org.
Homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments may apply to the Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund at www.massmortgagehelp.org, which does not have a deadline.
