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Local housing authorities closing offices, but still providing services
By David Mclellan | April 2, 2020
The state has advised all public and private housing authorities to alter operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending all pending non-essential evictions and filing of non-essential evictions. While offices for housing authorities have closed across the state, many are still providing services over the phone or by mail.
Residents in need of emergency housing assistance are being directed to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. Services through DHCD include a special Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) fund of $5 million for families needing assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak, including help for families facing eviction, foreclosure, and loss of utilities. Visit www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-dhcd-website for information on DHCD emergency housing services.
LYNNFIELD
To reach the Lynnfield Housing Authority, call (781) 581-5783. Office hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Housing applications are available at lynnfieldhousing.org/housing-application.
MARBLEHEAD
To reach the Marblehead Housing Authority, call (781) 631-2580 Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
PEABODY
The Peabody Housing Authority has closed its offices until at least April 7, and staff are working from home to continue to provide services. Maintenance will be available for “extreme emergency calls” only, according to a statement from the Housing Authority. Calls for maintenance may be placed to (978) 531-8171. Staff will respond to urgent emails sent to [email protected] as much as possible.
REVERE
The Revere Housing Authority has altered its office hours, and offices are now open only Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon. On Fridays, offices will undergo “deep cleanings” and sanitization, according to a statement from the Housing Authority.
Similar to Lynn, the Revere Housing Authority has set up drop-boxes at its offices, 70 Cooledge St., for residents who need to turn in paperwork in order to minimize person-to-person contact. For questions, or if needing maintenance, call (781) 284-4394.
SAUGUS
To reach the Saugus Housing Authority, call (781) 233-2116. Office hours are Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SWAMPSCOTT
The Swampscott Housing Authority has staff available to take calls from residents, and requests residents call (781) 593-5516 if in need of assistance. Those who would like to fill out an application for housing assistance may have one mailed to them.