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Government funds have helped people in western Massachusetts stay in their homes as jobs were lost and income shrank during the pandemic.
Last June, the city of Springfield announced a $2 million emergency housing fund to help people pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills. All but $140,000 has now been claimed.
The state has put millions into housing assistance. Additionally, Springfield last year awarded $5 million to four social service agencies to assist the homeless. Most of that money has not yet been spent, according to Gerry McCafferty, the city’s Director of Housing.
"My sense is that it is not that there is not enough money," said McCafferty. "One of the issues is people knowing about whether the money is there and being to access it because there is sometimes delays in accessing it."