WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust and Berkshire Housing Development Corp. on Wednesday will begin accepting applications for the trust's Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

 

Residents of the town who earn 100 percent of the Area Median Income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to apply for the grants.

 

The grant program is designed to award grants of up to $500 in most cases, but in cases of extreme need, qualified applicants may receive up to $1,000.

 

The trust has about $18,000 to devote to the program, or enough for 36 grants of $500 apiece.

 

According to the rules developed by the trustees, priority will be given to applicants who earn 80 percent or less of the AMI.

 

The grants will be administered by Pittsfield-based BHDC, and the applications will be available on the non-profit agency's website, berkshirehousing.com, or by calling 413-499-4887.

 

Paper applications will be available at the Williamstown Food Pantry at 53 Southworth St. or the Post Office on Spring Street.