Westborough trust tightens WRAP rental assistance rules after fraudulent applications

The Westborough Affordable Housing Trust voted to amend the town’s WRAP rental assistance program to tighten eligibility and offer flexibility in subsidy disbursement following evidence of attempted fraud in four applications.

Trust staff reported the trust currently has just over $18,000 available in the WRAP allocation because the trust halted processing four applications that appeared fraudulent; Newton police are continuing an investigation into those suspected cases. To reduce fraud risk and focus limited funds, trustees approved a guideline change requiring that applicants be referred by a designated social‑service agency (an initial list of six organizations will be maintained by MetroWest Development and the trust’s working group).

Trustees also approved allowing subsidies to be paid monthly, in a lump sum, or partially over an extended period at the program administrator’s discretion to better match household needs.

The motion passed on a roll‑call vote; staff said they will notify Westborough Youth and Family Services and the other referral organizations so they can resume referrals under the tightened procedures.