Needham Starts Coronavirus Emergency Rental Assistance Program

NEEDHAM, MA — Needham is offering funding to residents who have lost income due to COVID-19 to help make rent payments in the coming months.

Approved by Special Town Meeting in October, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program includes $120,000 from the Community Housing Reserve and the Community Preservation Fund, both overseen by the Community Preservation Committee. The program is also funded through a grant of $50,000 from the Massachusetts Covid-19 Relief Fund, secured for Needham by the Foundation for MetroWest.

Qualified residents could have 50 percent of their rent covered, up to $1,500 per month, for up to three months. To qualify, applicants have to live in a private rental unit, including affordable Chapter 40B units, in Needham. Residents must earn at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income. Preference will be granted to those earning at or below 50 percent AMI.

All participants will be required to document loss of income due to COVID-19.