Emergency Short-Term Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Short-Term Rental Assistance Program (ESTRAP) was created by the Town of Hanover with funding provided by the Hanover Affordable Housing Trust. The ESTRAP is intended to offer a financial bridge for current Hanover residents who are in crisis and can no longer afford to live in Hanover. The program is meant only to allow for the applicant to remain in Hanover while seeking an affordable option, support program, or allow them time to find suitable and affordable housing elsewhere.
This program is open to current Hanover Residents and will run through December 31, 2024. After this date, the ESTRAP will be evaluated for further rollout and funding. The continuation of ESTRAP is subject to approval by the Hanover Affordable Housing Trust.
If you find yourself in a housing crisis and feel that the ESTRAP may help, Please complete the application and provide all required documents, and return to the office of the Town Manager at Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA.
Requirements
- Current resident of Hanover
- Assessment of ability to pay (financial disclosure)
- Verification Documentation
- Two (2) months of bank statements
- One (1) month of income verification
- Statements from any listed assets (dated within the last six (6) months)
- Current lease or letter of confirmation from current housing provider
- Evidence of application and/or pursuit of other housing assistance programs
- Confidential interview/evaluation to determine need
ESTRAP Application
Testimonials
“Being a recipient of financial assistance from ESTRAP to help with my monthly rent, has made a tremendous impact on my ability to gain back some of my financial independence. My husband passed away earlier this year, and without any insurance to help with his funeral costs, I had to nearly drain my savings to cover these expenses. My last full-time job as a Covid screener at the South Shore Medical Center was eliminated a short time before my husband passed away, leaving me unemployed. Four weeks prior to my husband’s passing, I underwent full hip replacement, surgery, and required rehabilitation, which I have since completed. The assistance that the Estrap Program has afforded me, has truly helped me to get back on my feet. I have recently secured a new job, which I expect to begin in the next couple of weeks. This too should help me continue to work toward regaining my financial independence. I thank you for any continued assistance that ESTRAP can afford me.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for ESTRAP. Warm thoughts go to everyone involved who put together this amazing program . This program has assisted my son and I through one of the most difficult times in our life. Since our apartment burnt down in Hanover this past April and we lost everything. This Program has allowed me to start to rebuild our life and continue working and saving without the stress of looking for affordable housing that is so Very difficult to find. In addition, it has been a true blessing for my adult Son with his intellectual disability to Continue in his program and blossom in his work and school, due to living in a beautiful happy healthy environment here at Hanover Crossing. Words cannot express how grateful we both are to have had this Opportunity provided By the town of Hanover. Once again much appreciation to everyone involved who made this happen for my Family!”
“I fell behind on rent in 2021 after coming down with Covid and was out of work for 2 weeks. Everything from there snowballed. I was 4 months behind on rent, it was a 2 weeks before Christmas and my landlord (who is incredibly patient, understanding and wonderful) told me to reach out to the town because she had heard of a new program where they were helping people who were in financial need. After going to the town hall and filling out some paperwork, I received a phone call from Tammy, who told me I had been approved for the rental assistance program. The board read my case file and told me I was immediately approved. Their assistance got me completely out of the red and on track again. The team could not have been any more gracious or helpful. It honestly made me believe in the magic of Christmas. The rental assistance program has truly helped me and my family. If it wasn’t for my landlord I never would have known about the program. This was a humbling experience but Tammy never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed. I have such gratitude and respect for the board and this program. It made a tremendous difference in my life and I will be forever grateful. “
“Last year I lost my job of 22 years due to alcoholism. While I was in treatment for my substance use disorder, I fell behind on my rent. I began searching online for any assistance I might be eligible for and came across The Affordable Housing Trust for the Town of Hanover. I reached out to Tammy Murray at the Council on Aging for help. I was approved for assistance. Without the assistance I received from the Trust I undoubtedly would have fallen behind on my rent, been facing eviction, and likely would have left treatment. The Affordable Housing Trust has been a lifesaver for me as well as a game changer in my life. Because of the assistance I received I was not only able to stay in my apartment, I was also able to stay in treatment and work on my recovery. Today, I am coming up on one year sober. I'm currently enrolled in classes to become a Certified Substance Abuse Recovery Coach by the state of Massachusetts to pursue a career in the field of Substance Abuse and Recovery. None of this would have been possible without the housing assistance I received from the Trust. I will forever be grateful to the Town of Hanover and the Affordable Trust for being there in my darkest moment, making it possible for me to rebuild my life.”