Emergency rental assistance is available for residents of Williamstown with family incomes at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). The assistance is intended for short-term stabilization, not ongoing support. Grants can be used for monthly rent and rent in arrears, mortgage payments, and mortgage payment arrears.
Background: The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust was established in 2012 to create and maintain affordable housing in the community. An emergency assistance program began in 2020 in response to Covid-19, providing support to residents unable to afford their mortgage or rent. By late 2024, around $150,000 in grants had been distributed to individuals facing financial difficulties due to job loss or caregiving responsibilities.
Permissible Uses of Grant: The assistance is intended for short-term stabilization, not ongoing support. Grants can be used for:
- Monthly rent or rent arrears
- Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance)
- Mortgage payment arrears
Payments are made directly to landlords or mortgage providers.
Eligibility: Assistance is available for residents of Williamstown with family incomes at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI), prioritizing those earning at or below 80% AMI. For example, in 2024, a family of four earning $105,700 qualifies at 100% AMI, with 80% being $84,560.
Grant Terms: Grants are capped at $10,000 for rent and $15,000 for mortgages per twelve-month period, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available. Recipients can reapply or renew their grants. Online applications: Hearthway Application
Privacy/Anonymity: Applicants’ identities are kept confidential. Hearthway processes applications on behalf of residents, and there is no direct communication with the Trust during the evaluation.
For more information, please refer to the AHT Brochure on Emergency Rental Assistance.
Contact Information:
- Hearthway Emergency Assistance Program
- Address: One Fenn Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsfield, MA 01201
- Phone: (413) 499-1630
- Email: info@hearthway.org
- Walk-in hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm
- Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust
- Address: 31 North Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
- Email: AHTrust@williamstownma.gov