City of Cambridge Distributes $1.2 Million in Assistance through Housing Stabilization Program

The City of Cambridge today announced that the Housing Stabilization Program has committed nearly $1.2 million to 245 Cambridge households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program, which launched on July 20, 2020, has provided a six-month stipend to eligible households to support rent, condominium fees, or cooperative carrying charges of more than 40% of the household’s income.

The City of Cambridge will be infusing an additional $628,000 from Community Development Block Grant and CARES Act money into the program as part of a new funding phase that will begin in January 2021. This additional funding, which will be added to the current $300,000 fund balance, will make available more than $900,000 for Cambridge households that have not yet received assistance through this program.

“Keeping our residents safe and housed during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be our priority. This additional investment of funding solidifies our commitment to reach as many Cambridge families and residents facing housing instability as possible,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I’m grateful to the many individuals and City Departments who made this assistance possible for our residents.”

Cambridge residents experiencing housing instability can continue applying to the Housing Stabilization Program through December 15. The online application form can be accessed at www.cambridgema.gov/housingfund. To prepare the application process for the next round of funding in January, the Housing Stabilization Program will temporarily pause taking new applications on December 15, 2020.

Additionally, applicants who are unable to complete an application online may call 617-349-9797 for assistance. Staff will plan on returning calls within three business days. A new application process will open on January 11, 2021.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism of City staff who are supporting our housing assistance efforts,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Since the beginning of this pandemic, the City has committed more than $13.3 million to support individuals and families, small businesses, and non-profits in our community, who are experiencing financial hardship.”  

The continuation of the Housing Stabilization Program will enable the City to provide assistance for an anticipated 150 additional households who are experiencing housing instability due to the financial impact of the COVID 19 crisis. The new process will have slightly different criteria than the current program. The criteria will be announced later this month. The new round of funding will continue to award a six-month stipend to new recipients; however, households that have already received a six-month stipend will not be eligible to receive additional funding at this time.

“Thank you so much! This is such a relief, it takes a huge burden off of me to know that I will be able to pay rent until I can hopefully go back to work,” said a participant of the Housing Stabilization Program.

The Housing Stabilization Fund program is administered jointly by the City Manager’s Office through the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Department of Human Services Programs through the Multi-Service Center, and the Community Development Department.

The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19 and other City news, please visit : www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.