How Way Finders Helps Massachusetts Residents Secure Housing — And How Haul of Fame Movers Supports the Transition
- kobe leroy
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Way Finders works with residents across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties to provide housing support, financial counseling, and pathways to long-term stability. For many families moving from shelters or temporary housing into permanent homes, these programs can be life-changing.
At Haul of Fame Movers, we often work alongside these housing programs to help individuals physically relocate once they’ve secured housing. In this article, we’ll break down what Way Finders does, who qualifies for assistance, how to apply, and how moving services fit into the housing transition process.
What Is Way Finders?
Way Finders is a nonprofit housing organization headquartered in Springfield. Their mission is to help people achieve housing stability and improve their economic mobility.
They accomplish this through a variety of housing programs, including rental assistance, housing vouchers, homebuyer education, and financial coaching.
Way Finders primarily serves communities throughout Western Massachusetts, including Holyoke, Northampton, Chicopee, Amherst, and Easthampton.
Their services focus on three main goals:
Preventing homelessness
Helping families find affordable housing
Supporting long-term financial independence
Major Housing Programs Connected to Way Finders
Emergency Rental Assistance Through RAFT
One of the most common programs people access through Way Finders is Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT).
RAFT provides financial assistance to households facing housing instability. Eligible households may receive up to $7,000 within a 12-month period to address housing emergencies.
Funds can help cover:
Past-due rent
Utility shut-off notices
Security deposits
First month’s rent
Moving expenses
Temporary housing costs
RAFT applications are submitted online through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, but organizations like Way Finders help residents complete the application and gather documentation.
Who Qualifies for RAFT?
Eligibility generally includes:
Being a Massachusetts resident
Meeting income guidelines (typically at or below 50% of Area Median Income)
Demonstrating a housing crisis, such as eviction risk or utility shut-off
Applicants typically need documents like:
Identification
Lease agreements
Proof of income
Eviction notices or late rent notices
If rent assistance is requested, the landlord must also complete their portion of the application.
Housing Voucher Programs
Way Finders also helps administer rental assistance programs that allow families to rent homes in the private housing market.
These include:
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income households pay rent by covering a portion of housing costs.
Participants typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent while the voucher covers the remainder.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
Another program available through Way Finders is the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), a state-funded subsidy designed to help families secure stable housing.
Both programs often have waiting lists, but they provide long-term rental stability once approved.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
For residents who already receive housing vouchers, Way Finders offers the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.
This five-year program helps participants:
Increase income through employment
Complete education or job training
Build savings for major goals
As participants earn more income, a portion of what would normally increase their rent is placed in a savings account. When they successfully complete the program, they receive the funds to use toward goals such as education, starting a business, or purchasing a home.
First-Time Homebuyer Education
Way Finders also helps residents prepare for homeownership.
Services include:
First-time homebuyer workshops
Credit improvement counseling
Budget planning
Down payment assistance guidance
These programs are especially helpful for families transitioning from rental assistance into long-term housing stability.
Where to Meet Way Finders In Person
Residents can receive in-person help at several housing centers in Western Massachusetts.
The main offices are located in:
Springfield
Holyoke
Northampton
Way Finders services extend throughout surrounding communities including Chicopee, Amherst, Easthampton, and other towns across Western Massachusetts.
Before visiting a housing center, it’s helpful to bring:
Photo identification
Income documentation
Lease or housing paperwork
Utility bills or eviction notices
Calling ahead is recommended to confirm appointment availability.
How Haul of Fame Movers Supports Housing Transitions
Once a family secures housing through programs like RAFT or housing vouchers, the next major step is physically moving into their new home.
That’s where Haul of Fame Movers comes in.
We specialize in helping families transition from shelters, temporary housing, and rapid-rehousing placements into permanent homes.
Our team regularly works with:
Housing coordinators
Case managers
Shelter staff
Nonprofit housing programs
We understand the time-sensitive nature of housing placements and coordinate directly with case workers to ensure moves happen quickly and smoothly.
Our services frequently support clients relocating through:
RAFT emergency housing placements
Section 8 voucher approvals
MRVP rental placements
Rapid rehousing programs
Because we operate throughout Western Massachusetts, we’re able to assist clients relocating across cities like Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, Amherst, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Programs like Way Finders play a critical role in helping families avoid homelessness and achieve housing stability. From emergency rental assistance to homeownership education, their services create pathways toward long-term independence.
For individuals moving into new housing through these programs, reliable relocation support can make the transition easier and less stressful.
At Haul of Fame Movers, we’re proud to help families take that next step toward stability and a new beginning.
Additional Housing Resources and Helpful Links
If you or someone you know is struggling with housing stability in Massachusetts, there are several trusted organizations and programs that can help. Below are some important resources where you can apply for assistance, check eligibility, or speak with a housing counselor.
Official Way Finders Resources
The nonprofit Way Finders provides housing counseling, rental assistance support, and financial coaching for residents across Western Massachusetts.
Way Finders Housing Centers
If you need help filling out applications, housing advisors are available at their housing centers:
Springfield Housing Center1780 Main Street, Springfield, MAPhone: 413-233-1500
Holyoke Housing Center193 Chestnut Street, Suite 2, Holyoke, MA
Northampton Housing Center256 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA
Housing advisors can help with applications, understanding eviction notices, housing searches, and benefits enrollment.
Learn more about housing center services here:https://www.wayfinders.org/housing-help/housing-centers/
Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance (RAFT)
One of the most important housing assistance programs in Massachusetts is Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT).
RAFT can provide up to $7,000 per household in a 12-month period to help with rent, utilities, and moving expenses for households facing housing emergencies.
If you need help completing the application, Way Finders staff can assist you at one of their housing centers.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) helps low-income residents afford rent by providing ongoing rental subsidies.
MRVP vouchers can either be:
Tenant-based vouchers that move with you
Project-based vouchers tied to specific apartments
Participants generally pay around 30% of their income toward rent.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market.
The program allows tenants to find their own apartments while the voucher pays part of the rent directly to landlords.
413Cares Resource Directory
Residents in Western Massachusetts can also search for housing, food, employment, and social services through 413Cares.
413Cares connects people to local nonprofits and community resources across the region.
Explore the directory:https://www.413cares.org
Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Shelter Program
Families experiencing homelessness may qualify for shelter through the state’s Emergency Assistance system administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Shelter placements require a referral from the state housing agency. Some shelters are managed by Way Finders.
Dial 211 for Immediate Help
If you’re not sure where to start, call Massachusetts 211.
By dialing 211, you can speak with a specialist who can connect you to local services such as:
Housing assistance
Emergency shelters
Food programs
Utility help
Mental health services
Moving Support for Housing Placements
Once housing assistance is approved, many families need help relocating quickly to secure their new home.
Programs like RAFT may cover moving costs and relocation expenses when families transition into stable housing.
Companies like Haul of Fame Movers often coordinate with case managers, shelters, and housing agencies to help families move into their new homes smoothly.
Reliable relocation services can make a major difference during a housing transition, especially when housing placements happen on short timelines.
Comments