Community Teamwork offers rental assistance in Lowell, MA and beyond

Lower income tenants who need help can get rental assistance in Lowell, MA as well as other communities in Middlesex and Essex counties. One of the leading organizations that provide this much-needed help is Community Teamwork.

Community Teamwork serves as the community action agency covering Middlesex and Essex counties. It provides several different programs that serve the various needs of lower-income households who often need help with basic living costs. To meet this need, Community Teamwork provides comprehensive programs they give lower-income households the opportunity to stabilize their living situation while they get help with some of the costs.

Emergency Housing Assistance

If you are in need of short-term rental assistance, Community Teamwork operates a robust eviction prevention program as part of its emergency housing assistance. When funds are available, direct assistance may be provided to help you avoid eviction, especially if you are only one month behind.

The organization will help you evaluate what options you have and work with you to make sure that you do not have to enter a homeless shelter if you can otherwise avoid doing so. Still, the organization will only be able to release funds to you if you meet certain criteria, it is believed that your situation was brought on by a short-term hardship situation, that you could be expected to afford your rent on a permanent basis once you receive the help and ultimately, assistance will depend on the availability of funding.

Housing and Utility Assistance

Community Teamwork focuses on your household’s ability to cover both rent and utility costs as a part of your monthly budget. The agency regularly works with families just like yours who may have struggled to afford normal rent prices. They understand that even if you can afford your rent, utility costs easily add another couple hundred dollars onto your monthly cash outflows.

Whatever cash assistance you receive will depend on funding and on the discretion of your case manager. While it is possible that you may receive rental funds, utility assistance could also be provided. The result is that you could receive a substantial portion of your total monthly obligations as a direct grant that does not have to be repaid like a loan. To inquire about housing assistance and other benefits, call 978-459-0551.

Housing for Elderly and Disabled Tenants

Community Teamwork administers the Merrimack Valley Apartments in Methuen, MA through its Merrimack Valley Housing Services. If anyone in your household is elderly or disabled, it may be possible to qualify for residency in one of the 60 subsidized rent apartments. Call 978-459-0551 for more information about vacancies and eligibility requirements.

Housing Consumer Education Center

The Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) is provided for the benefit of both tenants and landlords in Essex and Middlesex counties. Information and advice is provided for landlords to make sure that they are abiding by state law and protecting themselves through best practices. Tenants are also advised on their own responsibilities and rights.

If you are having troubles, getting help through the HCEC may be one your best options. Visit their 17 Kirk St. office in Lowell or call 978-654-5617.

Rental assistance in Lowell, MA is provided by Community Teamwork is a direct service to the lower income households who need just a little bit of extra help. As the official community action agency serving Essex and Middlesex counties, you can be sure to get the help that you need.