Rental Assistance Program for COVID-19

The City of Malden and the Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) are committed to preserving housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, including through rental assistance and eviction prevention programs. This page has information about applying for rental assistance, and will be updated as additional programs become available. If you are concerned about being evicted, please visit our Eviction Prevention page, cityofmalden.org/eviction, for eviction-specific information.

The City of Malden and the MRA administered two rental assistance programs in 2020, working with local non-profit organizations Action for Boston Community Development, Just-A-Start Corporation, and Housing Families, Inc. The City and MRA are working together to launch an additional rental assistance program in 2021.

If you are in need of rental assistance, please contact one of the organizations below. If you have questions, please contact rent@maldenredevelopment.com.

Rental Assistance Organizations

Metro Housing Boston
Phone: (617) 425-6700
Metro Housing Boston (MHB) administers the state rental assistance programs (RAFT and ERMA) for our region. To apply for RAFT or ERMA rental assistance programs through MHB, click here. Please note that as of February 2021, Metro Housing Boston is reporting significant delays in processing applications. The City and MRA recommend applying as soon as possible when seeking rental assistance from MHB due to these significant delays. Malden residents may also choose to apply for funds through one of the local organizations below.

Housing Families, Inc.
Phone: (781) 322-9119 x8
Housing Families is a Malden-based nonprofit serving both individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis. Housing Families offers pro bono (no cost) legal aid and rental assistance, and works in Housing Court, District Court, and before a case goes to court. Housing Families is partnering with the City of Malden to provide services to Malden residents facing eviction in the Northeast Housing Court, and has received $250,000 in funding for these services.

Just-A-Start Corp.
Phone: 617-494-0444
Just-A-Start provides mediation services, including in Malden District Court, to help landlords and tenants find a solution that prevents eviction. Just-A-Start also has limited funds for rental assistance in these eviction cases. If you are a tenant facing eviction in need of mediation services with your landlord, please contact Just-A-Start at 617-494-0444. Just-A-Start has partnered with the City of Malden to provide services to Malden residents facing eviction in the District Court, and has received $250,000 in funding for these services.

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
Phone: (617) 348-6347, option 2
ABCD provides a wide range of services, including rental assistance and assistance in applying for unemployment, MassHealth, and other programs. Malden residents seeking rental assistance should call (617) 348-6347 and press option 2.

Mass.gov COVID-19 Resources for Renters, Homeowners, and Landlords
Phone: 2-1-1
This page is the state government's information hub for assistance for renters, homeowners, and landlords affected by COVID-19. The page includes information on rental assistance programs, eligibility, and other resources.