State Rolls Out Emergency Rental Assistance

Hoosiers struggling to pay the rent now have a resource that can help them get back on their feet.

The state of Indiana has rolled out the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

Struggling to pay the rent now have a resource that can help them get back on their feet.

The state of indiana has rolled out the emergency rental assistance program.

I talked with the executive director of the housing and community development authority he breaks down how hoosiers can qualify.

Covid-19 has put a financial strain on renters across the state.

"the big difference with this new program is it provides up to 12 months of rental assistance and also for utilities the are in arrears."-jacob the previous program only provided 500 dollars up to 4 months.

However..

The new program doesn't have a cap.

It bases what hoosiers qualify for by the size of their unit.

"the maximum monthly rental assistance that we can provide is based on the fair market rent here in indiana."-jacob you can see those maximum support options on your screen now.

This program also provides utility assistance.

"we can bring folks current on their utilites as well.

That includes electric..gas..

Water..wastewater..

Trash removal and internet."-jacob the funding for this program came from the coronavirus relief bill former president trump signed back in december.

The state of indiana received 448 million dollars.

Jennifer layton, the president of lafayette transitional housing, says this funding is crucial to keeping people in their homes and off the streets.

"we are thrilledhat there is going to be these additional dollars and less red tape for renters to actually stay in their homes."-layton previously, the only way a renter could take part in the rental assistance program is if their landlord agreed to accepting the payments..

But now the state will be able to work directly with renters in need.

"we will cut a check directly to the renter and it will also be in the name of the landlord as well."- jacob the state will give landlords 10 days to respond to their request for cooporation.

If they don't agree to take direct payments, then they will cut the check for the renter.

Jennifer layton says keeping people in their homes is the best way to avoid a crisis.

"it is so much easier to keep people housed then to re-house them."

The program is currently accepting applicants.

To qualify, you must prove you have lost income during the pandemic, be in danger of eviction or homelessness..

Or have an income at or below 80 percent of the area median.

We will have a link to apply on our website wlfi dot com after the show.

Precision 18 chief