Subsidized Housing Emergency Rental Assistance

In partnership with the state, MassHousing's Portfolio Management team is participating in the Subsidized Housing Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SHERA), which provides funding to owners of affordable housing properties when their residents have fallen behind on their rent due to COVID-19.

Launched in May, the program is aimed at helping low- and moderate-income families, elders, and single individuals living in affordable housing and housing authority properties.

By requiring owners to make the applications for funds on behalf of their tenants through the program's online portal, SHERA is designed to deliver funds quickly by minimizing paperwork for residents, property owners and property managers. To date, the average turnaround from application to receiving funds is 18 days.

Since the program's launch, the state Department of Housing and Community Development - in partnership with MHP and MassHousing - has created a web site portal where owners can apply as well as access resources and trainings to help affordable housing owners access the program.

For more information about the SHERA program, email MassHousing's Manager of Asset Management, Anne Marie MacPherson at amacpherson@masshousing.com.