Here are some things you need to know about the Housing Relief Program.

  • The program will pay past-due rent and utilities from April 1, 2020on, for households that lost income or had increased household expenses as a result of COVID-19.
  • You are still responsible for any rent or utility payments that were past due before March 31, 2020.
  • To prove eligibility, at the time of application you will be asked to provide some documentation, which may include but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
  • Demand for Rent/Eviction notice
  • Income documentation (paystubs, SSI, un-employment, etc.)
  • Non-income documentation (Food stamps, other benefits, etc.)
  • Lease agreement
  • Mortgage bill/foreclosure notice
  • Proof of loss of employment (furlough/layoff notice, etc.)
  • Utility bills including electric, gas, oil, internet
  • Any items documenting other COVID- related household expenses
  • There is no income limit to be eligible.
  • The program can help you in a few different ways:
    • You can receive a one-time grant of up to $2,500 if you will be able to maintain your housing without needing any more help.
    • If the one time grant is not enough to allow you to maintain your housing, you can receive assistance over the period of a few months. The assistance will gradually be reduced as you become more financially stable.
    • You can receive assistance finding and maintaining permanent housing if you are leaving a shelter situation. This assistance will also gradually decrease over time as you become more financially stable.
  • Working with a case manager is a requirement to participate in the program, and will include the following:
    • determining with you what part of the program is the most appropriate to help you maintain your housing.
    • meeting with the case manager on a regular basis to evaluate progress, provide support, and modify any plans in place as needed.
    • looking at your income and expenses before the COVID-19 crisis and now to see how much they changed.
    • helping you find suitable housing, if necessary.
    • developing a budget plan for maintaining housing while you are receiving assistance and after it ends.
    • working with you and your landlord to make sure that everyone agrees with whatever plans are developed to maintain the housing.
    • Seeing if there are other household expenses which may be eligible for payment.
    • if necessary, applying for other benefits and/or services for which you may be eligible.
  • You do not need to be under an eviction notice to participate in the program.
  • You will not receive the payments. They will be made directly to the landlord or service provider.