Hopkinton Rolls Out Coronavirus Rent, Mortgage Relief Program

HOPKINTON, MA — Hopkinton is introducing a rental and mortgage assistance program.

The program will provide partial, temporary support for certain housing costs for qualified residents who have experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Funding for the program comes from the Town’s federal CARES Act emergency relief allocation.

Applicants could receive up to $4,000 to pay up to 50 percent of qualified rent or mortgage principal and interest expenses for the months of November and December 2020, for applicants who meet guidelines. Applicants need to demonstrate at least a 20 percent loss in income during the COVID-19 emergency, or show income loss from the suspension of the Hopkinton senior property tax workoff program.

Households that are below 80 percent of the median area household income are eligible, with specific amounts by family size identified in the application package. Applicants must also have a maximum of $20,000 in financial and investment assets for an individual and $30,000 for a household of two or more.

For renters, qualified expenses include rent, unless that rent is already being paid by another government program. For homeowners, qualifying expenses include mortgage principal and interest only. Property taxes, insurance, and utilities are specifically excluded under federal guidelines governing the use of program funding.

"COVID-19 continues to impact our community, including ongoing economic hardship for many who have lost jobs or income," said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. "The Town has set aside a portion of its CARES Act funding to provide this relief opportunity in an effort consistent with the Town Charter’s focus on equity and inclusion."

According to Town Chief Financial Officer Tim O’Leary: "The Town is committed to reviewing and approving applications quickly, with an application deadline of November 10, and with a goal of getting needed relief into the hands of residents in need by late November."