With income eligibility levels increased and tens of millions in additional federal aid, North Dakota Department of Human Services Executive Policy Director Jessica Thomasson said the state's goal is to help those who are past due on rent and "rebuild economic well being" for more state residents.
Thomasson, who oversees the ND Rent Help program, said it's a chance for North Dakota renters to "find stability" in their housing situations and get back on their feet, as the temporary aid will eventually run out.
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"With the ups and downs in the past year, we want to work on repairing the economic well-being of those affected," she said, explaining that she hopes the stability will carry into the future.
The assistance is not just designed for those with the lowest incomes, but for residents in more modest income ranges "who may have scraped by during the past year but might have depleted their savings."
With guidelines from the federal government now available, Thomasson said the new rental aid comes through two streams of money from two COVID relief bills passed by Congress in December and late February that will provide $352 million.
On top of that significant increase in aid, several key changes in eligibility and guidelines can help more renters:
- Income eligibility has been raised from 60% of area median income to 80%. In Cass and Clay counties, those eligible must earn under $51,150 for a single person and $73,050 for a family of four.
- Rental aid is available for up to a year instead of the six months allowed the previous program.
- Renters have to verify need for aid every three months instead of once a month.
- The North Dakota program has been taking proposals from organizations throughout the state that can serve as "application counselors" to assist people experiencing housing difficulties. Those offering help could be community action agencies, homeless shelters or other groups that help with housing issues.
- The program can now help not only with rent, but also late fees and utilities.
Unlike Minnesota, where rental aid expired for a few months earlier this year, North Dakota was able to keep its program going. Thomasson said the state is transitioning from the Rental Bridge name to ND Rent Help.
To date, she said the program has helped 2,112 renters from 36 counties with about $5.4 million in assistance provided to about 1,000 landlords or housing providers.
Across the border in Minnesota, the program is called RentHelpMN and is similar to North Dakota's, except it is now working only with renters who owe back rent and utilities.
"We're focusing on people behind in rent now," said Emma Schmit, who heads up housing efforts for the Lakes & Prairie Community Action Partnership that serves Clay and Wilkin counties.
She said the program would soon also provide aid to those who need help with current rent and utilities.
Schmit said her agency isn't providing the rental aid but can help people navigate the state program and help with eligibility questions, applications or uploading documents.
The Minnesota program kicked off on April 20 after the gap in aid. Schmit said the original program last year saw aid "go fast" with about $1 million in aid provided to 899 renters in Clay and Wilkin counties from August through Dec. 31.
"We're expecting a wave of applications for the new aid, too," she said.
Minnesota is expected to have about $600 million or more in federal aid through the two federal COVID programs after the state used $100 million in federal emergency aid to help renters last year.
Minnesota Housing Finance Director Jennifer Ho said her agency has 140 staff processing applications. She said all participating state, local government and tribal agencies will be using the same RentHelpMN forms to simplify the application process. In addition, some 28 nonprofits and community organizations, called “field partners,” are helping renters navigate the system.
Ho urged applicants to request “get ready” checklists from the housing agency to determine what documents will be needed to apply for aid.
“This is a win-win for both tenants and landlords,” said Ho, who urged cooperation on applications as landlords can also register and receive payments for their tenants.
The rent help is aimed at helping prevent an avalanche of evictions when the pandemic ends.
Thomasson said the latest federal COVID relief plan also offers aid to homeowners. She said she hopes to have that program operational in a few months.
How to apply or get help
North Dakotans can start the rent application process at https://portalapps.nd.gov/dhsps/emergency-rent/. Individuals who need help can also call 701-328-1907 or send an email to dhserb@nd.gov.
Minnesotans can apply at RentHelpMN.org or call 211, a helpline with staff available to answer questions about the program from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For help in applying, Schmit said people can call to set up an appointment at her agency at 218-512-1500 or send an email to info@caplp.
Eligible renters can get assistance with overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press contributed to this report.
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