By Christine Galeone

When people face significant financial challenges, it’s not uncommon for them to feel like they’re walking on a high wire. Much of their focus and energy is directed at simply trying not to fall.

Fortunately, there are “safety nets” available that can help those facing such challenges. And the Commonwealth of Massachusetts wants people to know about resources it offers to those who qualify. Two of those vital resources, the Baker-Polito Administration’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Massachusetts Health Connector, have recently been the focus of public outreach campaigns facilitated by Archipelago Strategies Group.  

The Massachusetts Health Connector enrollment campaign launched with November business walks in East Boston, Dorchester, New Bedford and Springfield. MHC and community leaders shared information concerning how the program is the Commonwealth’s health insurance exchange, where income-qualifying residents who aren’t covered by employers or other sources can enroll in low-cost health and dental insurance. Open enrollment will continue through Sunday Jan. 23. More information can be found at MAHealthConnector.org or at 1-877-623-6765.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has been reaching out to low-income tenants who have been financially impacted by the pandemic to let them know that they can apply for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is part of the DHCD’s COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI). “The pandemic has had disproportionate impacts on our most vulnerable communities and neighborhoods across Massachusetts, and we want to remind households in need that help is available,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox in a recent press release. “Over the past 12 months, we’ve scaled up our rental assistance program to match the urgency required by this situation. With a pool of state and federal resources, a streamlined application process, and simplified criteria for eligibility, we can process more applications at a faster rate than ever before. So, we strongly encourage all tenants that have fallen behind to seek help now.” People can learn more at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-housing-payment-assistance-during-covid-19. 

While both programs have had a positive impact on many people, Johnny Corson, the Communications Manager at Archipelago Strategies Group, shared a story of a family of 13 Afghan refugees that was greatly helped by the Health Connector. He said that working with a refugee resettlement agency, Family Health Center of Worcester was able to immediately perform identity proofing on the father, allowing the center to complete applications for the entire family, including a pregnant woman and two people who needed medical care. He was told that the father expressed his deepest gratitude to FHCW staff for getting him and his family healthcare and health insurance through the MHC. 

Although these are only two of many resources available to people facing significant financial challenges, they’re two that can provide much-needed safety nets. Corson also assured that “both opportunities are available to Massachusetts residents, regardless of vaccination status.”