HOUSING JUSTICE

Everyone deserves equal access to housing. The Massachusetts eviction moratorium is set to expire on October 17, 2020, putting more than 100,000 households at risk of being evicted.  You can find resources for advocates and tenants in Somerville outlined below. Now is a crucial time for you to help your neighbors and community! We want to thank our friends at CAAS – Community Action Agency for sharing the following resources:

Advocacy:
Somerville Tenants Rights & Resources:
  • The Somerville Homeless Coalition offers assistance to those facing eviction through our Homeless Prevention Program. Our Homeless Prevention Program is designed to re-house homeless households and to prevent homelessness for households who are at immediate risk. Rapid Response works to bring stability to households through individualized case management and through funding to assist with rental arrears, utility arrears, or start up costs. Completed applications can be submitted by fax, email, mail, or in person at our office in Davis Square. Please click here to fill out the intake form.
  • City of Somerville residents should call the Office of Housing Stability (OHS) if you need assistance paying rent, mortgage, or are facing eviction. Help available in all languages.
  • And most importantly, Know Your Rights as a renter. Your landlord cannot evict you; ONLY a judge can. While the Massachusetts eviction moratorium expires October 17th, the CDC eviction moratorium is through December 31st and bans physical evictions. If you are unable to pay rent this fall or winter, you should submit this declaration to your landlord as soon as possible:
  • The City of Somerville local eviction moratorium also bans physical evictions. If this is happening to you or someone you know, we encourage you to submit this eviction help request to the Office of the Attorney General: