Tenants facing pandemic-related hardships can now get financial assistance to help pay rent and utilities.
Federal funds, through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, are being administered locally by the United Way of Gratiot and Isabella Counties, in partnership with EightCap.
The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program can help households that make less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
Individuals who have qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or have had other financial hardships due directly to the coronavirus outbreak, or can demonstrate a risk of becoming homeless or having housing instability by being past due on rent or utilities may be eligible for financial assistance.
“This is a wonderful program to get much needed resources into our community,” United Way President and CEO Annie Sanders said. “We know that the pandemic has had a significant impact on local households. Many families have not had to ask for help but now they do. We are here to assist them through the process.”
Thus far the agency has received 562 applications for assistance in Isabella County and paid out $1.2 million to eligible households in need. In Gratiot County there have been 132 applications and $306,000 in financial help provided.
“In most cases the funds are paid directly to the landlord and the utility companies,” Sanders explained.
Utilities may include heat, electricity, water, sewer, trash and possibly internet service.
Assistance is available for 13 to 15 months depending on the percentage of a household’s Area Median Income.
There is a limit on how much assistance families can receive through the program but “it varies by home size and county,’ Sanders said.
However, she isn’t certain how long the CERA program will be available.
“At this point it depends on the need,” Sanders said. “The program is continually evaluated. We know that we will accept applications at least through the 2021 calendar year.”
Those interested in finding out if they qualify can apply online at www.ceraapp.michigan.gov/ or call the United Way at 989-452-0155 to speak with a CERA specialist.
More information is also available on the United Way’s website at www.uwgic.org/cera.
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October 09, 2021 at 09:15PM
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United Way offering COVID rental assistance program - The Morning Sun
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