Community Corner

Brookline Revives Rental Assistance Program

The initiative offers financial assistance to those struggling to afford rent.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is organized by the Brookline Community Development Corporation.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is organized by the Brookline Community Development Corporation. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Community Development Corporation announced it is now accepting applications for its second edition of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The program has the goal of stabilizing housing situations for struggling people through a one-time payment of $5,000 to landlords on behalf of eligible applicants.
According to the BCDC, more than 10% of Brookline residents live in poverty, and 36% deal with housing insecurity. The $5,000 payments are funded by the town’s Housing Trust, Community Foundation, and Community Preservation Act.

The program assisted 30 households during its first stint, and the BCDC is now accepting applications from residents online until the funds are depleted. In order to qualify, applicants must make an income less than $91,200 if they live by themselves and $117,200 for a household of three or more.

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