Last month’s end of the national eviction moratorium coincided with dire news that across the country, 90% of federal rental assistance funds had yet to be distributed. In response, ABCD and the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development are mobilizing — literally — to get the word out and applications in.
Funded with a $20,000 grant from the City, ABCD will host a series of mobile pop-up events in seven Boston neighborhoods where the need is great but applications are low. The ABCD Housing team will park their van, power up their tablets, and help residents determine if they’re eligible for rental assistance. Then, team members will walk them through the application process.
Applying strategies in service delivery developed early in the pandemic, the ABCD team will be agile and accessible, meeting people where they are. It’s about more than convenience; it’s about removing barriers. For instance residents of these neighborhoods depend on public transportation, but many have young children who cannot yet be vaccinated. These parents are reluctant to risk exposure to the coronavirus by riding crowded buses and trains.
Running through November 30, 2021, the program will help vulnerable families stay housed, healthy, and safe. To learn more, contact the ABCD Housing department at 617.348.6347 or housing@bostonabcd.org.
