Springfield Officials Stress Help Is Available For People To Avoid Eviction

Government funds have helped people in western Massachusetts stay in their homes as jobs were lost and income shrank during the pandemic.

Last June, the city of Springfield announced a $2 million emergency housing fund to help people pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills. All but $140,000 has now been claimed.

The state has put millions into housing assistance. Additionally, Springfield last year awarded $5 million to four social service agencies to assist the homeless. Most of that money has not yet been spent, according to Gerry McCafferty, the city’s Director of Housing….

Eviction proceedings are put on hold once someone makes an application for assistance, said Jane Edmonstone of Community Legal Aid.

“There have been many times that Way Finders and legal defense have come rushing in as the moving trucks were pulling up and able to walk that back,” she said…. Read more from WAMC.