Norwood Introduces New Rental, Mortgage Grants

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood is teaming up with the South Middlesex Opportunity Council for the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, a new grant program.

The grant program will provide financial assistance to income qualified individuals that have suffered financial hardship from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. Grant funds can be used to help pay for rent, mortgage and utility payments. The new grant program has been established from Federal funding made available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

In order to qualify for this funding, a household must meet the following criteria at
the time of application:
• Currently rent or own a house as a primary residence in Massachusetts;
• Have income that is between 50-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI); and
• Have a housing emergency due to a financial hardship related to or exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis (as verified through documentation or a written self-certification consistent with this Administrative Plan).

Up to $4,000 is available per household over a 12-month period which can be used to assist with rental and mortgage payments due no earlier than April 1, and rental and mortgage stipends for payments due after the date of application.

Individuals living in subsidized housing units where tenant rent is calculated and adjusted based on income are not eligible for rent stipends but are eligible for assistance with arrears when able to demonstrate sufficient justification for non-payment of past due rent.