Assistance Program Still Has Funds to Help Residents with Rent and Utility Bills
Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
Over the past two years, the Town of Amherst has provided $150,000 to help Amherst residents with overdue rent, mortgage, or utility bills. These funds, allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA,) have had a positive and direct impact on the town’s low-income residents who were affected by COVID.
This Resident Aid Assistance Program has $50,000 remaining available through the end of 2024. Applicants must demonstrate that their financial hardships are a result of COVID or the economic impacts of COVID. Members of marginalized communities are encouraged to apply including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people. Applicants are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $3,000 until funds are depleted. The overdue rent, mortgage, or utility costs are paid directly to the landlord, bank, or utility vendor.
To apply, residents should contact Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA) at 413-548-1275 to schedule an appointment. The application forms can be downloaded from https://www.amherstma.gov/3743/Resident-Aid-Assistance-Program.
More information: Family Outreach of Amherst at 413-548-1275, call Martha Marteney at 413-259-2565, or visit https://www.amherstma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3592.