A senior, disabled military veteran sought help from the Housing, Legal, and Consumer Services Program. Facing nearly $25,000 in back rent due to poor conditions and unclear property ownership, he was threatened with eviction after over a decade. He believed this was retaliation for reporting issues and felt discriminated against due to his age, disability, and military status.

“I CAN’T THANK MY HOUSING COUNSELOR ENOUGH. THEIR GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN NAVIGATING THIS CRISIS.”

The Housing Counselor helped him prepare for court, apply for financial aid, and connect with Soldier On and the Dispute Resolution Center. Mediation led to waived back rent and extended relocation time. Grateful for the support, the tenant avoided homelessness and a significant financial burden, receiving more help in weeks than in months prior.

A tenant facing court due to unaffordable payments requested mediation with their landlord. Through mediation, they developed a feasible payment plan. The tenant, previously afraid to report issues due to back rent, revealed they had been living with a broken stove, forcing them to spend on takeout. Post-mediation, the landlord fixed the stove, enabling the tenant to cook and manage monthly payments. This resolution addressed underlying issues, preserving their housing and subsidy.

A consumer filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, which was assigned to the Berkshire Consumer Services Program (BCSP). He had visited a cell phone store after receiving a mail promotion offering a phone line for $72.00 monthly, but the paperwork at the store did not match the offer. The manager assured him the discount would apply after two months and signed an informal agreement. However, the consumer’s bill continued to be $106.66 per month.

The consumer provided documentation, including the unofficial agreement, to a consumer advocate. BCSP negotiated a solution: the consumer received a $566.78 credit and retained his service at the agreed rate, while the business kept the customer.

Our Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) Pioneer Valley Office received a referral from the Western Division Housing Court. The tenant, initially reluctant to work with us, owed $10,000 in back rent and faced losing her subsidized housing. A comprehensive assessment revealed her financial hardship stemmed from domestic violence. She had been denied RAFT assistance due to reluctance to disclose this.

We referred her to local domestic violence resources, NELQWIT and the Salisan Project, for counseling and support. With their help, we relocated her children’s schools and secured $5,000 in RAFT funding. The property manager agreed to a manageable repayment plan, which she has consistently followed. She continues to receive support from the domestic violence programs, and her tenancy has been preserved.