Louisiana has temporarily suspended taking applications for a COVID-19 rental assistance program announced by Gov. John Bel Edwards Thursday because of an overwhelming response.
More than 40,000 applications flooded the Louisiana Housing Corp. since Thursday, but officials estimate the $24 million pool can only help about 10,000 applicants.
“The response to our state’s emergency rental assistance program proves how significant the economic burden of COVID-19 is for our citizens,” Edwards said in a statement. “This program was designed to help mitigate and off-set evictions and homelessness, and while we have allocated an additional $17 million for a total of $24 million in federal assistance, we know that much more is needed to address this serious crisis for the hard-working men and women who continue to keep our state going during this crisis.”
Renters sought help through LaRentHelp.com or by dialing 2-1-1 to initiate the application process.
Louisiana Housing Corp. officials said the agency will continue to process applications and follow-up with low-income renters who qualify to receive financial assistance in case additional funds become available.
“We know there are many individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this pandemic and that there is a great sense of urgency for housing assistance,” said LHC executive director E. Keith Cunningham Jr. “As the state’s housing agency, we are committed to doing everything we can to meet the needs of renters and landlords and are hopeful that additional federal dollars will become available as soon as possible.”
The program is aimed for people who were laid off, took unpaid leave, had reduced working hours and those at imminent risk of eviction.
Those who are living in public housing or are already receiving government rental assistance don't qualify.
A federal moratorium on evictions expires July 25. Edwards also issued a state moratorium that already expired last month.
A recent Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) and UrbanFootprint analysis showed Louisiana ranks No. 3 nationally as having the highest risk of evictions when the protection expires.
Renters in Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Caddo, Lafayette, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Calcasieu, Ouachita and Bossier are most at risk, but up to 130,000 households statewide are in peril.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
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