HomeMy Public PortalAboutWatertown Direct Assistance Program - Metro WestCity of Watertown, MA
ARPA Project Proposal
Submitted by: Alisa Gardner-Todreas
Submitted on: May 26, 2023
Request Number: ARPA-25
Project Name: Watertown Direct Assistance Program
Proposal Type: Organization
Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc.
Recommended Project Manager: Alisa Gardner-Todreas, Dir. of Housing Policy & Programs
Project Summary:
Metro West CD is proposing a direct assistance program for low-income residents in the form of a one-time "cash" payment to stabilize the
economic insecurity they are experiencing.
Amount of ARPA Funds Requested: $250,000
Minimum Funds Needed: $250,000
Matching funds available? No
Other funds available? No
Project Narrative: I have a detailed narrative to upload
City of Watertown
American Rescue Plan Act
Request for Proposals
1. Applicant Name: Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc.
2. Contact person: Alisa Gardner-Todreas, Dir. of Housing Policy & Programs
3. Contact email: alisa@metrowestcd.org
4. Contact phone #: 617-923-3505 x 6
5. Project Name: Watertown Direct Assistance Program
6. ARPA Request: $250,000
Project Narrative *
Metro West CD proposes to provide one-time direct “cash” assistance to low-income households, earning no more than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Several recent studies have shown that the need for financial assistance persists and that flexible, direct assistance is an effective tool in stabilizing a household’s economic situation, including their ability to pay rent. A recent report released by The Boston Foundation, the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, the Metropolitan Area
Planning Council, and the United Way of Massachusetts states that “[t]he need for
emergency rental assistance remains strong, and the fundamental challenge to implementation is that the funding is insufficient to meet the scale of need.” This report also mentions the problem of “years-long waitlists and too-high rents even on income-restricted units.”
Moreover, data based on the 2020 Census and released in Sept. 2021 underscore the value of providing cash to families to combat poverty and economic insecurity. Cash assistance allows families to meet a wide range of needs in ways that make the most sense for them. The ability to pay off outstanding bills enables a household to catch up
on their debts and thus stabilizes their home budget. This, in turn, allows them to stay
current with their bills. An additional benefit of a direct assistance program is the lower barrier to entry, as there is no landlord participation requirement. Our experience has shown that landlords
can be reluctant or slow to provide the documentation needed for a rent-only assistance
program, and in some cases, has prevented an applicant from receiving needed funds. The Boston Foundation, et al study also cites this issue and recommends a direct-to-tenant payment model to alleviate documentation barriers.
Metro West CD has administered rent/utility assistance programs as well as direct cash
assistance programs in over 10 towns including Watertown, Newton, and Belmont plus two multi-town programs. As in the studies mentioned above, Metro West CD has found that direct cash assistance can be especially beneficial to a household looking to pay off a variety of debts, such as internet, cell phone, utility bills, public transportation, car payment and/or repairs, childcare, outstanding medical bills, as well as rent
Metro West CD’s Direct Cash Assistance program would be available to low-income residents (earning no more than 60% AMI) in Watertown. Metro West CD has its roots in Watertown, having been founded as Watertown Community Housing in 1991 with a focus on affordable housing advocacy. As the agency has evolved over time, it has
expanded not only to advocating for affordable housing but also to building affordable housing and providing housing-related services to the population in need. Metro West CD feels a strong connection to Watertown residents and is committed to providing solutions to the struggles faced by many of Watertown’s lower-income population.
Metro West CD staff would meet with the clients to assess their need, collect related documentation demonstrating the need, such as bills or lease, and follow-up with additional services such as help searching for more affordable housing and/or offering referrals for other relevant services.
The amount of assistance would be based on household size. For example, a single-person household would be eligible for $1000, a 2-person household would be eligible for $2000 and a household of 3 or more would be eligible for $3000. Should the City feel that a Rent/Utility Assistance Program is preferable, Metro West CD
could pivot to make this program a rent/utility assistance program. Metro West CD administered the City’s ERA program (as well as several other municipalities’ ERA programs) during COVID and is currently administering a rent/utility assistance program funded through the Watertown Community Foundation.
Metro West is ready to begin this program as soon as the funds are available and would continue to offer it for as long as the funds last. Based on experience, the funds would likely last less than a year.
Community Outreach & Application Process Metro West CD would conduct regular outreach through its Ready Renter program and other outlets. Households learn of the program through several channels - general advertising in the media (print and virtual), referrals from the City and other service
agencies with whom we have a working relationship, and from our website. Once in the Ready Renter program, households receive monthly flyers with timely information on affordable housing opportunities and related topics.
Metro West CD also conducts weekly Housing Clinics, which would offer another opportunity for outreach. Additional opportunities to share information about this
program would occur during our regular communications and meetings with other area service providers and the City, such as the monthly meeting of Watertown service providers convened by the Watertown Community Foundation. We would also distribute flyers about the program to the planning department, COA, Wayside, the local schools, and other area service agencies and nonprofits.
Regarding the application process, all potential program participants would complete an online application. Translation services are available and applicants with a disability and/or who require reasonable accommodation, can contact Metro West CD staff for assistance.
Budget & Estimated Number of Households Served Metro West CD anticipates serving 80 approximately households.
Terms HH size # served
Total avail 250000
Admin – 15% 37500
Direct Asst 212500
1 9 HH served $9000
2 10 HH served $20000
3+ 61 HH served $212000
80 Total served