Lexington renters can apply for a second round of town-funded rental assistance through Nov. 1, with slots awarded first-come, first-served.
The Lexington Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) announced the reopening of its Pilot Rental Assistance Program, known as Lex PRAP, on the town's website Wednesday, Sept. 23. The program offers up to six months of help for renters who spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent.
Low-to-moderate income Lexington residents are eligible.
The town defines "rent-burdened" as paying more than 30% of gross income on rent, plus a utility allowance for tenant-paid utilities. MetroWest Collaborative Development, a Newton-based housing organization, administers the program. Eligibility details and the application are available on MetroWest Collaborative Development's website.
How the program started
AHT Chair Elaine Tung presented the pilot to the Lexington Select Board on March 16 with a proposed budget of $117,000. According to the Select Board meeting minutes, the program targets households that may not qualify for the state's Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. It also serves residents who have used up benefits through the town's LEAF program in Human Services.
The first round opened June 28. The town posted application flyers in English, Spanish and Chinese. No public data on how many households received aid in that round has been released.
What changed for round two
The second round uses first-come, first-served selection instead of the lottery Tung described in March. The trust has not publicly explained the change. When Tung pitched the program to the Select Board, she noted the process could shift to first-come, first-served depending on demand.
How to apply
Applications are open through Nov. 1. Residents can find eligibility requirements and apply through MetroWest Collaborative Development's website. The town's announcement page also links to the application portal.
Applications close Nov. 1, and residents with questions can visit lexingtonma.gov for contact information for the AHT and MetroWest Collaborative Development.
