State Announces Comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative

For Immediate Release: Contact: Alicia DelVento 10/15/2020 Alicia.DelVento@mahouse.gov

State Announces Comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative

(BOSTON) - On Saturday, October 17th, the Commonwealth’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium will expire. Representative Danielle W. Gregoire (D-Marlborough) is pleased to share that the state has established the Eviction Diversion Initiative, an extensive group of resources set to assist tenants and landlords throughout these challenging times.

The Eviction Diversion Initiative, a $171 million commitment this fiscal year, is a collaborative effort announced by the Baker-Polito Administration that will support those facing eviction or foreclosure. This investment will include $100 million to expand the capacity of the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which provides relief to renters and landlords and $48.7 million to rapid rehousing programs such as HomeBASE to assist tenants that are evicted and are at risk of homelessness. In addition, $12.3 million will provide legal services such as community mediation to tenants and landlords, $6.5 million will be allocated to the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs), and $3.8 million will be provided to the Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) to provide case management services. Furthermore, the Commonwealth’s Trial Courts will be expanding access to mediation services through a new Community Mediation program, supplementing the existing court-provided service, and the Massachusetts 2-1-1 informational hotline will have trained operators to answer RAFT and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) questions.

“Many tenants and landlords have faced significant financial struggles due to the economic realities of COVID-19,” said Representative Danielle W. Gregoire (D-Marlborough), House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “Due to the bipartisan and collaborative efforts of the many stakeholders dedicated to creating and expanding resources for our friends and neighbors, the Eviction Diversion Initiative has been created. I am hopeful that this Initiative will provide the support needed during this time.”

Note: Once the Commonwealth’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium ends, a moratorium established by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) will take effect in Massachusetts and only serve as specific protection limited to certain vulnerable residents. For specific details, click here.

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