Back on Track: Helping Residents Overcome Rental Debt and Move Forward
For residents facing mounting rental debt, the path to housing stability can feel overwhelming. Connected Communities Foundation and its Boston community development corporation (CDC) partners are helping residents find a way forward through a coordinated approach that combines repayment plans, financial education and debt forgiveness.
Originally launched as the Coordinated Eviction Prevention (CEP) pilot in January 2025, the program continues to demonstrate how collaboration and individualized support can help residents overcome financial challenges and maintain housing stability.
Through the end of August, 113 residents had completed the program, meeting repayment commitments and other program requirements to qualify for debt forgiveness. Together, the program helped clear approximately $620,000 in rental debt, representing an average of five months of rent per participant. Among those who completed the program, 82% remained current on their rent going forward, demonstrating the potential for this approach to support lasting housing stability.
A Path Forward When It Matters Most
Beyond the financial outcomes, the program offers something equally important: relief from the stress and uncertainty that come with rental debt.
One participant described the experience as life-changing:
“It was the best thing that could have happened to me. No, I never thought I could attend a program like this – that there could be help for people like me. It was very, very important – crucial, because I was really distressed about that debt.”
The program creates a structured path for residents to address past-due rent while building the knowledge and tools to move forward. By combining manageable repayment arrangements, financial education and debt forgiveness, it helps residents work toward resolving their debt while reducing the risk of future housing instability.
These outcomes reflect the value of partnerships that bring together housing providers, community organizations and resident support services to address challenges before they lead to eviction.
Hear the Impact
Behind every outcome is a resident working toward a more stable future. Watch the video to hear more about the impact of eviction prevention and the importance of helping residents find a path forward.
Watch the Back on Track impact video
Expanding the Impact: Introducing Back on Track
The program was developed through a collaboration among Connected Communities Foundation, WinnCompanies, and five Boston community development corporations: Urban Edge Housing Corporation, Madison Park Development Corporation, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation.
Originally introduced as the Coordinated Eviction Prevention pilot, the program is now known as Back on Track, a name that better reflects its purpose and makes it easier for residents to recognize and inquire about the support available to them.
The program is entering an exciting next chapter. Building on the success of the Boston pilot, Back on Track is expected to expand in 2027 to seven additional properties across four states in partnership with WinnCompanies.
As the program grows, continued investment will be essential to sustaining its impact and helping more residents address rental debt before it threatens their housing stability. Connected Communities Foundation is seeking philanthropic partners to help support program delivery, including the financial education, structured repayment plans, and resident support that make debt resolution possible.
By investing in this approach, funders can help residents overcome financial setbacks, work toward resolving past-due rent, and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Because housing stability is about more than resolving a balance. It is about giving residents a meaningful opportunity to move forward.
Interested in Learning More?
Connected Communities Foundation welcomes conversations with organizations and philanthropic partners interested in supporting Back on Track and helping more residents achieve housing stability.
To learn more about the program or explore funding opportunities, contact us at info@connectedcommunities.org
Lacey Finch-Bennett – Communications & Fund Development Manager