Applications are being accepted now for WRAP. WRAP is a three-year rental assistance program, scheduled to start after April 1, 2021. The goal of the program is to assist five households who are renting or plan to rent qualifying housing units in Westford.
Qualifying households must be at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Greater Lowell area (1 person-$37,800, 2 people-$43,200, 3 people-$48,600, 4 people-$54,000, 5 people-$58,350), have less than $25,000 in assets, and must be currently spending more than 30% of gross household monthly income on rental housing costs (including eligible utilities).
The program is not available to households already receiving government-funded rental assistance-such as Section 8 or MRVP or state or federally subsidized housing. WRAP aims to assist the most cost burdened renters in Westford by offering a housing subsidy paid directly to their landlord, who must agree to accept WRAP payments directly. The program can subsidize up to $500 of the household’s rent payment monthly, with the expectation that the household will not pay more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.
During the time that households are participating in the program and receiving funding, recipients must agree to work with the town Social Worker to develop a Housing Stabilization Plan to work toward a sustainable long-term housing situation. Participation in the program can be renewed yearly for a maximum of three years provided that all program financial criteria is continuing to be met and the household is working on mutually agreed upon goals with the town social worker.
For renewal consideration, participating households must submit a new application annually. Households must complete an application to determine eligibility. Information requests and questions should be directed to Westford Housing Authority by calling 978-692-6011. Applications will be available through the Westford Council on Aging at 978-399-2325, Westford Housing Authority at 978-692-6011, and are printable from the Town of Westford website.
Applications should be sent to Westford Housing Authority, 65 Tadmuck Rd., Westford, MA 01886. Application assistance, accommodation for disabilities, and assistance for applicants with limited English proficiency is available as needed through Alison Christopher.
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