The City’s Housing Stabilization Program has received more than $9.6 million in new federal funding to expand rent and utility relief to citizens who have lost income because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today.
Altogether, since the start of the pandemic, the City has already invested $4,025,786 million in rental assistance through several programs to help 1,472 local families.
The expanded program will build on that, assisting with overdue rent and utility payments and possible future payments for citizens within federal eligible income guidelines who have lost income because of the pandemic.
“Thousands of our citizens have lost their jobs, had their hours cut, or taken on additional expenses because of COVID-19,” Gorton said. “We’re fortunate that these additional funds can expand our city’s investment in preventing evictions. These funds will keep more people in their homes.”
The rental assistance programs are attending eviction hearings in Fayette District Court to provide information and offer assistance when needed. “We want to be sure tenants and landlords are aware of our rental assistance programs,” Gorton said. “Thanks to our judges for working with us.”
The Housing Stabilization Program first opened in September as a partnership with local human service providers. It invested $1.4 million from the city’s general fund in assistance to over 550 households. This new infusion of federal support allows the program to expand and provide much larger amounts of assistance to more people.
To apply, citizens should visit covid19renterhelp.org. Completed applications will be processed by the City and Community Action Council. Applicants should not contact Community Action Council or the City directly.
“For the last 11 months, Community Action Council has been on the front lines helping thousands of families recover from the pandemic. During that time, we have been in close partnership with the City to provide rental assistance to hundreds of tenants facing the threat of eviction. As we continue to assist eligible households through the City’s Housing Stabilization Program, my team is committed to assisting those individuals and families as quickly as possible while also working to meet their other needs, as well,” said Sharon Price, executive director of Community Action Council.
