Dear Friend:

President Biden has announced that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will extend the federal eviction moratorium to October 3rd in the communities being hit hardest by COVID-19, which currently covers about 90% of renters nationwide. I am thankful that this action will prevent millions of people from losing their homes in the coming months, but it doesn’t go nearly as far as I wanted. I am fighting for further action because right now, Hampshire and Franklin County are currently the only counties in Massachusetts not covered by the moratorium, despite still facing significant challenges resulting from the pandemic.

I believe that housing is a human right and that keeping people in their homes during a pandemic shouldn’t be controversial. That’s why I have been and will keep fighting to extend the federal eviction moratorium for every renter worried about losing their home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought anxiety, uncertainty, and financial stress to so many families across the country – and we’re still feeling the impacts.

The new eviction moratorium is based on the county you live in. Counties experiencing substantial or high levels of COVID transmission fall under the eviction moratorium. If transmission levels drop below substantial for 14 consecutive days, renters in that county will no longer be covered.  You can see the CDC’s interactive county map with transmission data here.

Even if you are not covered by the moratorium, there are programs in place to help. Congress has passed more than $46 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance throughout the pandemic to help households in need and prevent evictions. President Biden's American Rescue Plan, passed into law by Congressional Democrats, also included nearly $10 billion for homeowners behind on their mortgage and utility payments, $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers, and $5 billion for homelessness assistance and supportive services programs. The CDC’s extension provides valuable time for states and local governments to implement programs and get money out the door to those who needs it most.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a housing-related issue, there are places you can turn to for help. You cannot be evicted in Massachusetts with a pending application for emergency rental assistance, and immigration status is not considered when applying. Find out where you can apply for rental or mortgage assistance online here.

You can also find information on emergency rental assistance and emergency mortgage assistance programs in English and Spanish as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s help for renters guide and help for homeowners guide.

In addition, Massachusetts has set up a COVID Eviction Diversion Initiative to offer legal help to low-income tenants and owner-occupants of 2 or 3-family homes.

If you have additional questions, I want you to know that my office is here to help you in whatever way we can. You can find contact information for all my offices by clicking here, or you can email me by clicking here.

Sincerely,