A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report #25-21, regarding implementing an outreach and assistance campaign to assist with eviction records

To: Yi-An Huang; City Manager From: Maura Pensak; Housing Liaison Date: April 15, 2025 Re: Eviction Record Sealing Policy Order 2025 #37 In response to the above-mentioned policy order, I submit the following: The Office of the Housing Liaison (OHL) and the Department of Human Service Programs’ Multi Service Center (MSC) are pleased that in August of 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the Affordable Homes ACT (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024). This historic legislation authorized 5.16 billion in spending over the next five years to address rising housing costs. In addition, the Act included 50 policy initiatives to advance housing development and production, preserve and improve existing housing stock and expand opportunities to support communities and vulnerable populations. One such initiative established a process for eviction records to be sealed and becomes effective on May 5, 2025. The OHL and MSC teams understand the importance of informing community members about the positive impact this new law could have on their current or future housing search endeavors. While any Massachusetts resident will be able to seal their eviction records if they are eligible by petitioning the court through an online portal, the process may be confusing and complicated to navigate. As such, we are committed to educating residents about this opportunity and assisting them in completing the processes necessary to seal past eviction record(s). To this end, we have outlined a comprehensive outreach and education strategy, partnered with legal service agencies including Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services (CASLS) and DeNovo Center for Justice and Healing (DeNovo), scheduled Eviction Record Sealing (ERS) workshops, and trained OHL, MSC and Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) staff to ensure on-going one-on-one assistance.

In addition, we are collaborating with Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, the City of Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability and the Community Action Agency of Somerville to expand access to workshops and assistance. Below please find a summary of our essential planning and training efforts, our outreach and education strategy, and highlights of direct assistants to residents. Planning and Training • OHL and MSC staff trained by CASLS staff in eligibility, the e-filing process and follow up requirements. • CEOC staff and Somerville partners have also been invited to the training. • General information workshops with other providers offered throughout the summer. Outreach and Education • Direct outreach to residents who have accessed OHL, MSC or partner agency services during the past 2 years. The outreach materials include a letter explaining the new law and a flyer outlining workshop dates and times. • Utilization of all citywide communication channels for initial announcements and on- going notifications. • Distribution of flyers with information and schedules of workshops to non-profit partners, property management companies and other service agencies. • Staff attendance at in-person resource fairs and community events. • Updating Office of the Housing Liaison webpage with workshop schedule, resources and instructions about the new law. Eviction Record Sealing Workshops and Individualized Support • To ensure access to as many opportunities as possible, we are collaborating with the representatives from Somerville to offer 6 workshops during the months of May and June (see below and attached). All are welcome to attend a workshop in either community. • Representatives from legal services agencies will be in attendance at all workshops for particularly complicated cases or legal questions. • Additional workshops will be scheduled as needed throughout the summer and fall. • Staff and legal service providers will be available to assist residents on an individual basis during regular office hours if they are unable to attend a workshop.

Eviction Record Sealing Workshops Cambridge Workshop Locations Somerville Workshop Locations Tuesday, May 6th 5pm – 7pm Cambridge Citywide Senior Center 806 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge 02139 Tuesday, June 10th 2pm – 4pm Community Learning Center North Cambridge 286 Rindge Ave. Cambridge 02140 Wednesday, June 25th 5pm – 7pm Cambridge Public Library Valente Branch 826 Cambridge St. Cambridge 02141 Tuesday, May 13th 11:30am – 1:30pm Somerville City Hall Annex Conference Room 50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville 02145 Thursday, June 12th 5pm – 7pm Somerville City Hall Annex Conference Room 50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville 02145 Wednesday, June 18th 5pm – 7pm Somerville City Hall Annex Conference Room 50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville 02145 Sign up at this link: bit.ly/EvictionRecordSealing2025