RAFT Funding in Massachusetts (2025): A Guide for Recovery & Sober Living Operators

RAFT in Massachusetts: What It Is & Why It Matters for Recovery Housing

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency housing help in Massachusetts. Its goal is simple: prevent homelessness by helping households cover urgent housing costs.

For sober living and recovery housing, RAFT can be a lifeline. It helps residents stabilize move-in costs, cover arrears, and stay safely housed during tough times. RAFT is part of a broader housing safety net managed by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), the state’s Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs), and the Housing Help Hub online portal.

Key benefits of RAFT for recovery residences:

• Covers move-in costs like first, last, and security deposits
• Prevents eviction by paying arrears directly to landlords or operators
• Can cover utility bills or limited moving/furniture expenses
• Provides stability so residents can focus on recovery

Eligibility & Benefit Limits (2025): What RAFT Covers for Sober Living

RAFT is designed for low-income households facing a current housing crisis. For recovery housing residents, this usually means showing financial hardship that risks their stability in a sober living home.

Income & crisis eligibility:

• Household income must be ≤50% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• Up to 60% AMI if fleeing domestic violence
• Must show documentation of a current eligible crisis (eviction notice, arrears, move-in need, utility shutoff, etc.)

What RAFT can pay:

• Past-due rent or program/occupancy fees
• First, last, and security deposits
• Utility bills
• Moving expenses
• Limited furniture/appliance help

What RAFT does not cover:

• Ongoing or future rent stipends
• Non-housing-related costs

Benefit cap (2025):

• Up to $7,000 within a rolling 12-month period
• Agencies apply a 12-month lookback to check prior RAFT use

✅ Eligibility Quick-Check

• Income at or below 50% AMI (or 60% DV)
• Facing a current eligible housing crisis
• Total RAFT benefits ≤ $7,000 in past 12 months
• Able to provide required documentation

Applying RAFT to Sober Living: When Recovery Housing Costs Are Eligible

Recovery homes are housing, not treatment programs. Both NARR and SAMHSA define recovery residences as safe, supportive housing that meets national quality standards. That framing matters: it allows sober living costs to be covered under RAFT.

How RAFT works for recovery housing:

• Program/occupancy fees often function like rent. Use your occupancy/license agreement and house rules as proof of housing.
• Operators should provide invoices or ledgers showing arrears.
• Payments go to the property owner, landlord, or other vendor. Recovery operators can be set up as payees if they complete a W-9 and vendor setup.
• Property-owner proof (ownership documents or authorization) is often required.

Step-by-Step RAFT Application Workflow for Sober Living in Massachusetts

Applying for RAFT requires participation from both the resident and the landlord/operator. Each has their part to complete.

Steps to apply:

1. Start the application: Tenant or operator begins an application through the Housing Help Hub.
2. Landlord/operator tasks: Create a profile in the Landlord Portal and upload W-9, proof of housing, arrears ledger, and ID/ownership proof.
3. Match applications: Tenant and landlord/operator applications must be matched within 21 days, or the request expires.
4. RAA review: Regional Administering Agency reviews for eligibility and completeness.
5. Approval: Most decisions arrive within 30 days.
6. Payment: If approved, payments typically arrive within ~14 business days (estimate, not guarantee).

Operator Documentation & Compliance Checklist (Get Paid Fast)

Having documents ready is the best way to avoid delays. Here’s a checklist for recovery housing operators:

Must-have documents:

• Completed W-9
• Proof of ownership or authorization to collect fees
• Government-issued ID
• Occupancy/license agreement and house rules (proof of housing)
• Arrears statement/ledger showing balance owed

Best practices:

• Use the Landlord Portal to create a reusable profile, upload documents once, and track applications.
• Match resident crisis documentation (e.g., eviction notice, arrears letter) to your ledger for clarity.

Troubleshooting, Denials & Appeals: Fixing Common RAFT Issues

Applications can be denied or timeout if requirements aren’t met. Common reasons include:

• Missing documents (e.g., no W-9, incomplete crisis proof)
• Exceeding the $7,000 benefit cap in the past 12 months
• No current eligible crisis
• Subsidized housing cases missing “good cause” proof

If issues arise:

• Respond quickly to RAA document requests
• Provide clear arrears ledgers and resolution plans
• Consider repayment agreements if RAFT only covers part of the balance

Protections to remember:

• Landlords cannot evict for nonpayment while a RAFT application is pending
• Massachusetts law (Chapter 151B) prohibits source-of-income discrimination, including RAFT payments

Repayment vs. Move Assistance (Pros/Cons):

Option	Pros	Cons
Repayment Agreement	Keeps resident housed, partial balance addressed	Requires steady income, adds monthly burden
Move Assistance	Clears arrears, funds new move-in costs	May disrupt recovery stability, limited housing options

Reference: What landlords need to know

Complementary & Alternative Programs: When RAFT Isn’t the Best Fit

RAFT isn’t always the best or only option. Other programs may work better depending on the resident’s situation.

Alternatives:

• HomeBASE: Larger benefit program for families in the Emergency Assistance (EA) system. Cannot receive RAFT and HomeBASE for the same month.
• Local or charitable funds: Some communities offer flexible support to fill gaps above RAFT’s $7,000 cap.
• RAAs: Contact your regional agency for guidance on RAFT, HomeBASE, or other resources.

RAFT vs. HomeBASE Comparison

Feature	RAFT	HomeBASE
Eligibility	Households ≤50% AMI with eligible crisis	Families in Emergency Assistance system
Benefit Amount	Up to $7,000 in 12 months	Larger benefit, varies by family & situation
Covered Costs	Arrears, deposits, utilities, moving, limited furniture	Similar costs, with broader scope
Who Applies	Tenant + landlord/operator	Family in EA shelter, with housing worker
Timing	~30 days to decision	Linked to EA housing timeline

Conclusion: Making RAFT Work for Recovery Housing in Massachusetts

For sober living and recovery housing operators in Massachusetts, RAFT is a powerful tool. It prevents unnecessary evictions, helps new residents move in, and stabilizes housing so people in recovery can focus on what matters most.

The key is preparation—having your documentation ready, aligning occupancy agreements with RAFT standards, and staying responsive to RAA requests. With the right approach, RAFT can work smoothly for both operators and residents.