@HOME, Summer/Fall 2023

Changes to RAFT in Effect Learn More HERE

Metro Housing

in Boston Globe

Read HERE

Re-designed Web Site Coming Soon

Learn more HERE

Sarah Scott Named Director of Leased Housing

Learn More HERE

Donation & Volunteer Opportunities at Metro Housing

Learn more HERE

Corcoran Summer Intern Completes Term at Metro Housing

Learn more HERE

Message From Our Chief Program Officer

Metro Housing prides itself on providing the best support and customer service to both our tenants and property owners.

We are actively focusing our attention on improving on areas of concerns such as wait times in our lobby, being on hold on the phone for an extensive period, and overall responsiveness from Metro staff. We are committed to making significant improvements to our customer service model and have begun taking steps to implement best practices to ensure our tenants and property owners get all questions and concerns addressed in a timely manner.

To ensure we are providing the best customer service to our property owners when it comes to receiving and approving annual rent increase requests, Metro Housing has introduced a new Owner Services Portal. The portal allows property owners to submit rent increase requests directly into our system, guaranteeing they will be reviewed in a timely manner. Property owners may access the link HERE.

Inspections are currently up to date and will soon be scheduling most on a biennial basis (once every two years). In the past, inspections had been scheduled on an annual basis but due to the pandemic, inspections were put on hold until 2022-2023 which caused a backlog and delayed the process.

Thank you to all who both participate in and contribute to our programs!

Josh White

Chief Program Officer

Metro Housing's Housing Priorities

and Policy Recommendations

At the request of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Metro Housing has submitted their housing priorities and policy recommendations for consideration.

Following is a sampling of our recommendations. You can find the complete list of our housing priorities HERE.

Vouchers & Public Housing

Target state vouchers for longest stayers in emergency shelter and families for whom there is likely no other exit strategy.

Counseling & Guidance

Ensure adequate investment in the HCEC model which supports households (without eligibility requirements) in navigating housing options so they may remain stably housed or to secure new housing.

Short-Term Rental Assistance

Increase funding for RAFT while efforts to increase vouchers and housing production for households with extremely low incomes advance.

Right to Counsel

Support current legislation to implement a right to counsel in Massachusetts and provide the funding necessary to implement it.

Voucher Applications

The Commonwealth should implement not just a single application for state-funded, privately owned housing but also an online federal voucher application system.

Metro Housing Named Bombas Giving Partner

Metro Housing was recently chosen to be a Bombas Giving Partner.

Bombas Giving Partners are organizations of all sizes and specialties that serve in-need, at-risk, and homeless communities with care, dignity, and respect. They consistently and collaboratively work to best meet the needs of their neighbors through various modes of service and outreach.

As a Bombas Giving Partner, Metro Housing has received 7,500 pairs of socks that will be distributed by the Housing Supports department to families and individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Bombas is a comfort-focused, basics apparel brand with a mission to help those in need. The company was originally founded in 2013 because socks are the most requested clothing item at homeless shelters.

For every item purchased, a specially-designed item is donated to the homeless community. To date, Bombas has donated more than 100 million items to those at-risk, in need, and experiencing homelessness.

Governor Healey Signs FY24 Budget

Includes key investments in affordable housing;

Overrides of two Healey vetoes sought

On August 9, Governor Healey signed the FY24 budget that increases two of Metro Housing’s budget priorities. The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (known as RAFT) was increased to $190 million in state funds.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (known as MRVP) was increased to a total of $199 million, which is comprised of $179 million in FY24 funds plus unspent FY23 funding of approximately $20 million.

However, while the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) line-item left conference committee with an increase to $10.5 million, Governor Healey vetoed a $774,000 inflation-based increase.

Governor Healey also vetoed a portion of funding for Home & Healthy for Good (HHG), a grant program that Metro Housing helps administer in our region, cutting the funding from $8.9 million to $6.4 million. The Governor's veto also removes language related to Mass. Housing and Shelter Alliance’s work to advance solutions to homelessness.

Metro Housing and RHN members will be working with our elected officials in the coming weeks to override the vetoes for HCEC and HHG funding. Contact Metro Housing HERE if you would like to contact your elected officials in support of an override.

Click HERE for a summary of Metro Housing Budget priorities.

Click here to learn about sponsorships