Housing Advocacy Program

Are you being evicted?

Do you know your rights as a tenant?

Do you need help applying for affordable housing?

CAAS' Housing Advocacy Program (HAP) provides a wide range of services to low-income individuals at risk of homelessness. HAP targets the root causes of housing affordability and helps prevent future crises by advocating on the behalf of tenants during the eviction process; assistance applying for rental assistance, public benefits, and affordable housing; intensive case management; and more, all serving Somerville residents with incomes up to 80% of area median income (AMI).

 
 
 
 

Eviction Prevention

Advocates provide information on Tenants’ Rights, help clients in preparing for court with assistance completing Answer & Discovery, and pursue rental assistance to dismiss the eviction as well as seal the current or previous eviction. While the Advocates are not lawyers, they are able to provide free legal information.

 

Housing Search

Advocates assist with applying for affordable housing (Section 8, public housing, etc.) and coordinate the lease-up processes which includes securing start-up cost assistance. For households with no-fault evictions, advocates will negotiation with the landlord for time to stay which will allow for proper housing search time. Advocates also help with recertifications.

Benefits Advocacy

Advocates help with applications for public benefits (SNAP, TANF, IU) which includes exploring all possible deductions to maximize income. Advocates are also available to assist with appeals and recertifications.

 

Case Management

Advocates identify barriers to housing stability to provide wrap around services to prevent future evictions. Advocates will make referrals to community-based resources.

 
 
 
 
 

Need Help?

We speak Español, Português, Ayisyen Kreyòl, عربى, and more. Call us at 617/623-7370.

Contact us for assistance

For Somerville Residents Only

After submitting your application, a staff member will reach out to you within seven (7) business days. You will be asked to provide proof of Somerville residency as well as income from the last 30 days

 
 
 
 

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES FOR SOMERVILLE RENTERS & IMMIGRANTS

Knowledge is power. All renters have rights, regardless of immigration status. CAAS is proud to lead the Somerville Know Your Rights Coalition (KYRC) — a partnership of City offices, attorneys, housing nonprofits, and grassroots organizers — who want our neighbors to know that whether you are facing an eviction, struggling to pay rent, or need legal guidance, you are not alone.

Visit our Resource Guide to learn more and find help: http://bit.ly/Somerville_KYR

Download and share our multilingual Know Your Rights flyer here (English, español, português, kreyòl ayisyen).