As a meal coordinator at a Boston charter school, Mercedes’ contract did not include the summer months. Being six-months pregnant in June, 2017, Mercedes struggled to find extra employment that would help her cover her expenses until school started up again in the fall.

As she fell behind in her rent over the summer, Mercedes became anxious about her housing situation and the possibility of eviction, a horrible thought for her and her family.

Mercedes was referred to the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program, commonly known as RAFT, through Mass 2-1-1, a confidential phone service that connects callers to information about critical health and human services.

Metro Housing met with Mercedes and explained how RAFT works and the documents she would need. We also helped her mediate a plan with the property owner to pay the back rent owed.

Just two weeks after Mercedes gave birth to her son King, her RAFT assistance was approved and her back rent was paid in full.

“I am so grateful for Metro Housing and the funding that RAFT provided,” says Mercedes. “It allowed me to stay in my apartment and provide a place for my children and myself. I am also appreciative to our legislators at the State House for continuing to fund RAFT and help families like mine.”