The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, HPRP

It can happen suddenly. Out of the blue, you’ve lost your job or you’re forced to choose between medical care or rent on your Boston apartment. The first of the month rolls around and you simply don’t have the cash to handle your biggest bill. The affordability problem is exacerbated in Massachusetts because there is no rent control. What can you do?

Under terms of your Boston rental agreement, if you don’t pay rent you can be evicted. You’ve probably heard tales about people dragging out the process for months, but with an eviction on your record it would be very hard to ever get a new apartment in your name so don’t wait. You could well qualify for help under a new program.

There’s a natural tendency we have as humans to deny the existence of major problems. If you even anticipate facing difficulty in making the rent, it’s a good idea to determine your eligibility. Don’t let pride get in your way here. We’re still dealing with the aftermath of the biggest economic meltdown since the Great Depression. If General Motors and American International Group, AIG, can get massive government bailouts, don’t be hesitant about asking for needed rent help. Deal with your financial distress immediately.

Through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Obama Administration is funding a national Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, HPRP. In Massachusetts the HPRP is administered through the Massachusetts Division of Housing Stabilization or by calling 1-877-418-3308

HPRP fund are for those in temporary financial difficulty. The money is for renters to either stay in their homes or find a safe place to live. The funds are designed for low income residents and can be used to pay overdue rent, handle past due gas and electric bills, utility turn on fees, or as a security deposit for a new apartment.

The HPRP Program is not designed to get the homeless of the street. It’s intended to keep those suffering a financial setback from ending up there. You don’t want to be braving the streets of Boston as the weather cools into winter.

If you qualify for funding and get assurances that the process is underway, and you’re late with your rent, it’s a good idea to notify your landlord via certified mail that s/he can expect payment and when. If you’ve been a good tenant, this notification could potentially hold off the eviction process. If you should go to trial for an eviction, you can at least show you did your best to pay your landlord, an effort that will carry more weight with a jury than a judge.