RCAP Solutions

Section 8 Housing

Services

Aimed to help families gain access to affordable housing and prevent homelessness. You must complete a Section 8 Pre-Application in order to receive a RCAP Solutions section 8 voucher. Call the toll-free number to obtain a pre-application and more information about the application process.

RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) is a state-funded homelessness prevention program. RAFT gives short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. RAFT helps families who are behind on rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills. RAFT also helps families who have to move but do not have enough money to pay a security deposit, utility startup costs, or first/last month’s rent. Families can get up to $4000 within a 12-month period.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development is in charge of the RAFT program. On the local level, RAFT is run by Regional RAFT Administering Agencies (RAAs). The RAAs coordinate their efforts with the regional Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs) that provide screenings and referrals for emergency housing assistance.

Eligibility

Your family must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Your family (two or more people) must include at least one dependent child under the age of 21; or you can be a pregnant woman who is head of household.
At least one member of your family must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Your family income must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI).
How Do I Apply:
To apply for RAFT, you should contact the RAFT agency that serves your city or town. You can only be approved in the region where you plan to use your RAFT assistance.