Frequently asked questions
What services do you offer?
Housing is our primary focus. We help individuals and families apply for affordable housing and search for market-rate rentals. Our second major focus is increasing household income. We can assist with:
Resume development
Online job applications
Interview coaching
Interview clothing
We also help participants apply for all public benefits they may be eligible for, including:
SNAP
WIC
Free Phone
Fuel Assistance
Utility discounts
Internet Essentials
RAFT
For a family of three, enrolling in these benefits can increase household income by $8,000 or more per year!
Can you help me apply for benefit programs? What documents do I need?
Yes, absolutely. Please call or email us, and we will walk you through the application process and provide a clear list of the documents you’ll need.
I am behind on rent and have received an eviction notice. I need help applying for RAFT. Can you help?
Yes, we can help you apply for RAFT. To apply for rental arrearage, you will need:
a. Photo ID for the head of household
b. Social Security cards for everyone in the household
c. Two recent pay stubs for each working household member
d. A copy of your rental agreement or lease
e. The eviction notice
f. Your landlord’s name and email address
The approval process typically takes 6–8 weeks. If you are behind on electric bills or facing a utility shut-off, we can also help you apply for RAFT assistance for utilities.
Can you help me get an ID, replacement Social Security card, or birth certificate?
Yes. We can assist you with applying for replacement documents. If cost is a barrier, we may be able to help locate funding sources to cover the fees.
What is your Rental Subsidy Program? Can I apply?
Our Rental Subsidy Program provides up to 12 months of rental assistance, offering $400 per month to Amherst renters who:
Pay more than 50% of their income toward rent, and
Are experiencing financial hardship
This program includes wrap-around case management. Participants meet monthly with a caseworker to work toward securing subsidized housing and increasing household income, with the goal of remaining stably housed in Amherst.
Eligible Amherst renters who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply.
Can you apply for affordable housing for me? I’m overwhelmed by the process.
Yes. We created a four-part curriculum called the Housing Application Plan (HAP). Through HAP, we help clients:
Apply for subsidized housing
Search for market-rate housing
Stay organized and informed throughout the process
By the end, you’ll feel confident managing housing applications on your own.
I have past evictions, which makes finding housing very difficult. Can you help?
Yes. We can discuss options for sealing your housing court record to help improve your chances with future landlords. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
My family lost housing because our landlord sold the property. We are currently couch-surfing. Can you help us get into a family shelter in Western Massachusetts?
We’re sorry you’re experiencing this. If you are a Massachusetts resident, you may be eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter. We can help you gather the required documents and apply.
I’m sleeping in my car and need shelter due to cold weather. Can you provide shelter information?
We’re glad you’re reaching out to stay safe. We can provide a list of individual shelters in Western Massachusetts and help connect you to resources.
I live in Springfield and can’t travel to Amherst. Can you help me apply for RAFT remotely?
Yes. We can assist with RAFT applications by phone or Zoom, as long as you can take photos of the required documents and text them to us.
What are your hours? Do I need an appointment?
Our case management hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., primarily by appointment. Walk-ins are welcome if a caseworker is available, but we strongly encourage making an appointment so we can best serve you.
Email: ACCinAmherst@gmail.com
Call or text: 413-345-261
We typically respond within 24–48 hours.